MT. NEBO, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is investigating an attack on a man by a black bear in Nicholas County.
According to the investigation’s findings, a man was knocked down and bitten by a female black bear after he found himself unexpectedly near a cub on a trail. The man fought back aggressively and was able to deter the female bear.
The victim escaped the attack with minor injuries.
Due to a lack of physical evidence from the bear and a delay in the reporting of the attack, the bear has not been found.
“Bear attacks on humans are rare, but this recent incident should serve to remind people how unpredictable wild animals can be,” Colin Carpenter, the black bear project leader for the DNR, stated in a press release. “Although this appears to be a defensive attack by a female with young cubs, the fact that the man fought back aggressively most likely prevented more severe injuries.”
According to Carpenter, nuisance black bear activity, such as foraging through garbage, pet food, and bird seed, generally subsides during the fall. However, he encourages people to remain vigilant.