Black Bear That Attacked PA Man Was Rabid, Tests Confirm

PENNSYVLANIA — The black bear that attacked a man in Pennsylvania last week had rabies, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said.

The incident occurred in Jim Thorpe, in Carbon County, on Sunday, Jan. 19.

Previous coverage: PA Man Attacked By Bear, Rescued By Neighbor: Reports

The positive test for rabies gives some justification to the bear's attack, as black bears do not usually behave in that manner toward humans.

The bear attacked and scratched the man while he was walking home from the store, the Game Commission said. The victim's neighbor saw the attack and shot and killed the bear.

Officials said the victim has been treated for potential rabies infection and is expected to fully recover.

As for the bear and the rabies, authorities are hopeful it will represent an isolated case.

"While rabies in bears is rare and a case emerging in a given area usually is isolated, rabies poses a risk to all mammals," the Game Commission said. "In this particular case, male bear typically den alone therefore reducing the risk of other bear being exposed to rabies."

Anyone who sees wildlife behaving strangely should call the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD.