Chelminiak injured in bear attack at Lake Wenatchee vacation home | 911

A Bellevue city council member is at Harborview Medical Center after being attacked by a bear in Chelan County.

John Chelminiak was walking his dog at his vacation home near Lake Wenatchee when he was attacked, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office says. He was first taken to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee for puncture wounds to his face and head, but was soon taken to Harborview so he could be treated by doctors who specialize in reconstructive surgery. Chelminiak's family said in a statement that he is currently in stable condition.

Chelan County Sgt. Chris Foreman told the World that Chelminiak’s wife, Lynn Semler, called 911 around 8:30 p.m. on Friday night to report the attack. The circumstances of the attack have yet to be determined, state Fish and Wildlife agent Doug Ward told the World. He said that they hope to talk to Chelminiak and his wife soon to determine exactly what happened.

Ward did say that the dog was not injured in the incident. The bear believed to be connected with the attack was killed by WDFW agents later in the evening. Agents believe that she was an older, non-lactating bear, around 10 years old, who was underweight and, it is believed, did not have any cubs.

The family said in a statement that they appreciated the assistance of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, EMTs at the scene of the attack, Fish & Wildlife agents and the staffs at both Central Washington and Harborview hospitals.

Chelminiak has served on the council since 2004.