[pct-l] news on the PCT

[David Plotnikoff]

(04-22) 18:02 PDT Big Bear Lake, CA (AP) --

A grizzly bear killed a trainer Tuesday at a private facility for 
exotic animals used in movies and television, authorities said.

Three experienced handlers were working with the bear at the 
Predators in Action facility when the bear bit the 39-year-old man on 
the neck, said San Bernardino County sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy 
Beavers.

The center's staff used pepper spray to subdue and contain the bear 
and there were no other injuries, she said.

A county Fire Department traumatic injury response unit responded 
about 3 p.m., but could not revive the man.

The victim's name was not immediately released.

Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Phelps said the bear was a 5-year-old male named Rocky.

The Predators in Action Web site says Rocky is 7 1/2 feet tall and 
weighs 700 pounds.

Calls seeking comment from stuntman Randy Miller, operator of 
Predators in Action, were not immediately returned Tuesday evening.

The center, located in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los 
Angeles, says it has two grizzlies, and also trains lions, tigers, 
leopards, cougars and wolves for uses ranging from film and TV to 
advertising and education.

The Web site states that it has had a perfect safety record.

It was not immediately known how long Rocky has been at the facility.

Native grizzly bears are extinct in California.