A bear attacked the participant of a marathon in a national preserve in New Mexico.

According to the message published on the website of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (DGF), the incident occurred in the Valles Caldera National Preserve on Saturday. The Department recommends to stay away from the area, The Guardian reported.

As a result of the attack the woman received several injuries - scratches and bites to the head, neck and upper body. The injuries were not life-threatening, the message notes. The other participants of the marathon provided assistance to the victim before the rescue team's arrival. Later the woman was taken to hospital by air.

At present the officials are trying to find the bear to euthanize it and test it for rabies.