Black Bear Viciously Attacks Man at His Home in Upstate New York

A 63-year-old man was hospitalized after a black bear attacked him as he entered his home in Cairo, Greene County, on Saturday night.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the incident occurred on August 30th when the man walked into an entryway of his house and encountered the bear. The victim later explained that the entry area is where he keeps food and garbage. He said he did not realize the animal was inside and was either “bit or scratched” when the bear tried to escape, WTEN reported.

By the time NYSDEC officers arrived, the bear had already left the property. Officers said that the man was located at a neighbor’s residence with visible injuries.

He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been released.

Authorities emphasized that bear attacks like this are highly unusual in New York. While encounters with bears do occur, the NYSDEC stated that such incidents are “extremely rare in New York, but are possible.”

The agency advises the public to follow BearWise safety guidelines, which stress that people should never approach or feed bears. If a bear poses an immediate threat to safety or causes damage and refuses to leave, residents are urged to call 911.

BearWise recommendations also include removing bird feeders, securing trash, avoiding leaving pet food outdoors, and thoroughly cleaning outdoor grills. Officials also encourage neighbors to warn each other if a bear is spotted in the area to reduce potential risks.

More BearWise tips can be found online through the NYSDEC.

Black Bear Viciously Attacks Man at His Home in Upstate New York