Pennsylvania Man Attacked After Being Approached by Aggressive and Rabid Bear: Officials

A Pennsylvania man was attacked by a rabid bear after being approached in a town in Jim Thorpe. Officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission confirmed that the bear responsible for the attack had rabies. The incident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 19, when a resident of Jim Thorpe was aggressively approached, bitten, and scratched by a black adult male bear exhibiting abnormal behaviors.

According to reports, a nearby homeowner witnessed the attack and shot the bear to protect the victim. The bear was later removed from the scene for testing, and on Thursday, January 23, officials confirmed that the bear tested positive for rabies. The victim, identified as Andrew Neirer, is expected to make a full recovery after receiving appropriate medical treatment for his injuries.

Neirer recounted the terrifying experience, mentioning that he was walking to the store when the bear attacked him. Despite the ordeal, he expressed empathy towards the bear, citing the unusual weather patterns affecting their food availability. He emphasized that the situation could have been much worse, acknowledging the bear’s desperate circumstances.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission highlighted that rabies in bears is a rare occurrence and typically isolated. They stressed that rabies poses a risk to all mammals and urged the public to report any wildlife exhibiting abnormal behavior. The organization also mentioned that male bears usually den alone, reducing the risk of spreading rabies to other bears.

In light of this incident, the Pennsylvania Game Commission advised anyone encountering wildlife acting strangely to contact them promptly. They provided a hotline for reporting such incidents to ensure the safety of both humans and animals in the area. The swift actions taken by the homeowner in shooting the rabid bear likely prevented further harm and helped to contain the situation.

This unsettling encounter serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of vigilance in areas where human and animal habitats intersect. The resilience shown by the victim, Andrew Neirer, in the face of such a harrowing attack is commendable. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further incidents and ensure the well-being of the community.

As the community recovers from this shocking event, it underscores the need for continued education on wildlife safety and the importance of reporting unusual wildlife behavior promptly. The rapid response from authorities and the courage displayed by individuals involved in protecting the victim demonstrate the strength of community spirit in times of adversity. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for residents to remain vigilant and proactive in coexisting harmoniously with the wildlife around them.