Bear kills trainer at animal facility near Big Bear Lake

A grizzly bear attacked and killed a trainer this afternoon at a Big Bear sanctuary that trains wild animals for movies and television work, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

For unknown reasons, the 5-year-old bear bit the unidentified trainer in the neck shortly after 3 p.m. at the Predators in Action compound, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Cindy Beavers. Two other trainers subdued the bear with pepper spray and were unhurt, Beavers said.

The injured man was declared dead at the scene, she said.

The state Department of Fish and Game will determine what happens to the bear, Beavers said. A department spokesman did not return a phone call seeking comment.

The Predators in Action Web site says it has the “best-trained grizzly bears in the business today.” Attempts to reach someone at the organization were not immediately successful.

paul.pringle@latimes.com