Woman Airlifted After Black Bear Bite

A 54-year-old woman has been airlifted to Tampa General Hospital after a Florida black bear she was attempting to pet bit her on the arm.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded Friday around 3:46 p.m. at 36906 Christian Road in Dade City. The woman was attempting to pet a caged bear on the property when the 400-pound creature named Abner bit her.

The “woman’s right arm was severely damaged,” Kevin Doll, sheriff’s office spokesman, wrote in an email to media.

The bear belongs to the property owner, Doll noted.

The woman’s name and condition are not readily available. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is on the scene investigating, as well.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.

See also:

• Massive Black Bear Killed in Florida
• Dog Stops Bear Attack on Florida Teen
• Bear Causes Fatal Chain-Reaction Wreck in South Florida

File image of a black bear from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission