Honk News (Pittsburgh, PA) – Officials have verified that the bear involved in the attack on a man in Pennsylvania was rabid.
A resident of Jim Thorpe experienced an unsettling encounter with a black adult male bear on Sunday, Jan. 19, according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The creature then “went on to bite and scratch him, showing unusual behaviors for a black bear.”
A local resident, witnessing the unfolding events, took action by shooting and killing the bear, which was subsequently taken away for examination.
On Thursday, January 23, officials provided an update stating that “the results of the tests indicated the bear tested positive for rabies.”
The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported that the individual, recognized by local CBS affiliate WYOU as Andrew Neirer, is “expected to have a full recovery and has received appropriate medical treatment” for his injuries.
During a conversation with WYOU, Neirer recounted that he was on his way to the store when the incident took place, noting that he attempted to distance himself from the situation. Nonetheless, in light of the events, he expressed his understanding for the bear’s situation.
“They’re hungry. They’re starving. They’re supposed to be in hibernation. This weather is weird lately. Hot, cold, warm, cold. I’m not drained from it,” he said, adding, “It could’ve been a lot worse.”
The Pennsylvania Game Commission emphasized in their statement that occurrences of rabies in bears are uncommon, noting that when they do arise, they are typically isolated events. “Rabies poses a risk to all mammals,” they wrote, noting that “male bear[s] typically den alone” which reduces “the risk of other bears being exposed to rabies.”
The organization emphasized that “anyone who sees wildlife behaving unusually” should notify them by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD.