Minnesota woman identified as victim in fatal bear attack on Rainy Lake

Ontario Provincial Police have identified a Minnesota woman as the victim in Sunday's fatal bear attack on an island on Rainy Lake.

Catherine Sweatt-Mueller, 62, of Maple Plain, Minn., was attacked by a black bear on Red Pine Island, according to the OPP. Police identified Sweatt-Mueller as the victim on Wednesday.

Rainy River OPP were called shortly after 6:30 p.m. Sunday by the victim's mother, who told officers she believed Sweatt-Mueller had been attacked by a bear after she had gone to check on her dogs, and didn't return.

Officers investigated, and found Sweatt-Mueller deceased, and in close proximity to a bear. The bear was shot and killed by police.

There were two other bears at the scene. Police later said they believed they were yearlings, and were threatening toward the officers.

• Woman, 62, dies on northwestern Ontario island after evident bear attack, police say

On Wednesday, a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry spokesperson said a search for other bears on the island was underway.

Red Pine Island, OPP said, is secluded, with no other residences on it. It's located near the Canada-U.S. border, about 320 kilometres west of Thunder Bay.

Police said there is no significant risk to public safety.