Coal Region News

State Representative Doyle Heffley has informed residents of Jim Thorpe about a concerning development in a recent bear attack. The bear responsible for the incident has been confirmed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to have rabies, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Although rabies in black bears is an uncommon occurrence, the attack underscores the potential threat rabid animals pose. Rep. Heffley stressed the unusual nature of this event, noting that under normal circumstances, black bears do not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans. The person who intervened by shooting the bear may have averted additional danger.

The Game Commission warns that rabies can affect all mammals, including bears. It urges people who notice wildlife behaving unusually to quickly contact them at 1-833-PGC-WILD. Residents are advised to stay alert and act promptly if they come across animals that appear to act strangely.

Doyle Heffley stated, “I am in close communication with the Pennsylvania Game Commission as they continue to monitor the situation. While this was an unusual and unfortunate event, their guidance is vital in ensuring our community remains safe. I encourage residents to stay informed and report any wildlife that seems out of the ordinary.”

Furthermore, Heffley advises the community to adhere to safety measures when encountering wildlife and to ensure that pets are vaccinated against rabies. Citizens are encouraged to use provided resources and follow recommendations for dealing with wildlife safely.