The Pennsylvania Recreation Fee confirmed that the black bear that attacked a person over the weekend in Jim Thorpe examined constructive for rabies.
The incident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 19, as Jim Thrope resident Andrew Neirer was strolling to the shop on a path close to his home.
Whereas Neirer was in the midst of the trail, he noticed the bear. He instructed WBRE-TV, an NBC affiliate, that he tried to stroll away, however the bear got here in the direction of him. A neighbor — who noticed the assault — sprung into motion, grabbed a gun, and shot and killed the bear.
A spokesperson for the Recreation Fee stated black bears, beneath regular circumstances, are usually not aggressive towards folks. Whereas rabies in bears is uncommon, and a case rising in a given space is often remoted, rabies poses a danger to all mammals.
Neirer shared that he was doing okay after the assault and believed the animal was simply searching for meals.
Officers stated anybody who observes wildlife performing abnormally ought to report it to the Pennsylvania Recreation Fee at 1-833-PGC-WILD.
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