A woman in New Mexico was attacked by a wild bear while participating in a marathon at a national preserve over the weekend, state wildlife officials said.

The New Mexico Game and Fish Department reported that the female runner was making her way through the Valles Caldera National Preserve near Los Alamos Saturday, June 18, when she came across a female black bear and her cub.

Agency officials said the woman may have startled the animals, causing the bear cub to run up to a nearby tree while its mother proceeded to attack the runner to protect her young.

The woman sustained several injuries, including scratches and bites to her head, neck and upper body, though none of them were considered to be life-threatening to the victim.

Other runners saw the injured woman and helped her until paramedics arrived at the scene. The victim was then airlifted to a hospital in Albuquerque to receive further medical treatment.

Because of the recent bear attack, the National Park Service (NPS) and the state's Game and Fish Department warned the public against traveling to the area of the national preserve.

Wildlife officials launched a search for the bear in order to have it euthanized and tested for possible rabies infection.

While bears are not known to carry rabies, the New Mexico Game and Fish Department said it can be highly lethal to humans if left untreated properly.

Last month, a man in Alaska was mauled by a bear while on a hike with his family.

Kenny Steck was filling bottles with water for his family when the massive animal came charging at him.

Steck raised one of his legs to protect himself from the attack, but the rabid bear clawed it. When he tried to yell for help, his attacker proceeded to crush his shoulder and placed his head on its mouth.

Just when he thought he was about to be devoured by the bear, it suddenly stopped and let go of him. The animal then ran off into the wild.

Fortunately, Steck's wife and other family members who were with him on the trip were trained nurses, and they helped treat his wounds immediately. He suffered several injuries to his head, shoulder and leg.

Steck's wife, Hannah, said it was a miracle that the wild bear avoided attacking his skull.

This was the third time a bear attack occurred in Alaska so far this year.

Photo: Eric Kilby | Flickr