Pennsylvania man attacked after being approached by aggressive, rabid bear: officials

Authorities have confirmed that the bear responsible for attacking a Pennsylvania man had rabies.

A resident of the Town of Jim Thorpe was “aggressively approached” by an adult black male bear on Sunday, Jan. 19, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said in a news release. The animal then “proceeded to bite and scratch him, exhibiting abnormal behaviors for a black bear.”

Officials say a nearby homeowner who saw what was happening proceeded to shoot and kill the bear, which was then removed from the scene for testing.

In an update on Thursday, January 23, officials said “test results showed the bear tested positive for rabies.”

Related: Mom Says She Felt Like a ‘Rag Doll’ During Bear Attack Before Making Dog Bark and Hair Clip, Saved Her

The Pennsylvania Game Commission said the victim – identified by local CBS affiliate Wyou as Andrew Neirer – is expected to make a “full recovery and has received appropriate medical treatment” for his injuries.

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In an interview with Wyou, Neirer said he was walking toward the store when the attack happened and tried to walk away. Still, despite what happened, he said he sympathizes with the bear.

“They are hungry. They are starving. They are supposed to be hibernating. This weather has been weird lately. Hot, cold, hot, cold. I’m not exhausted by it,” he said, adding: “It could have been a lot worse. “

Related: Dad calls son, 12, a ‘hero’ after boy saves him from bear attack: ‘He really held her together’

In their statement, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reiterated that “rabies in ores is rare,” and that cases that do appear are usually isolated incidents. “Rabies poses a risk to all mammals,” they wrote, noting that “male bear(s) den(s) den alone,” which reduces “the risk of other bears being exposed to the rage”.

The organization then noted that “anyone who observes wildlife acting abnormally” should report it by calling 1-833-PGC-Wild.

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