JIM THORPE, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Jim Thorpe man had a close call after a bear attacked him Sunday morning.
A quick-thinking neighbor shot the bear, perhaps saving the victim's life.
28/22 News obtained surveillance video of the attack from Andrew Neirer.
Neirer says he was walking to the store on a trail from his house when he spotted the bear sitting in the middle of the trail in a wooded area.
Neirer says he tried to walk away but the bear came at him.
Just then, Neirer says a neighbor who witnessed the attack grabbed a gun and shot the 100-pound bear dead.
Neirer says he's feeling okay, but understands the animal was simply looking for food.
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"But I think number one she was scared because she was just down at the market trying to get into the market. They're hungry. They're starving. They're supposed to be in hibernation. This weather is weird lately. Hot, cold, warm, cold. Emotional, I'm not drained from it. Just part of life, move on. It could've been a lot worse. Luckily he saved me, he shot it. I feel bad for the bear 'cause they really do not bother you that much. Just, anything happens," Neirer explained.
Neirer says the Pennsylvania Game Commission told him the bear would be tested for rabies.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission said the two involved will not be cited for shooting the bear since it was actively attacking.
