Bears test negative for rabies after Arizona attacks

PAYSON - Three black bears killed after three reported attacks on people in northern Arizona have tested negative for rabies.

Arizona officials now are awaiting DNA analysis to see if any of the bears are linked to the non-fatal attacks in the Payson area.

State Game and Fish Department officials say the negative rabies test shows the bears weren't behaving aggressively because of rabies.

A 74-year-old female camper was attacked May 31 at the Ponderosa Campground east of Payson and a 30-year-old man was attacked June 24 in the same area. 

Another bear attack was reported June 21 in the Thompson Draw II area about a mile from the Ponderosa Campground.

Arizona authorities tracked and fatally shot two bears Sunday night near the campground. It's unclear when the third bear was killed.