DEC Investigating Bear Attack In Fulton County

The State Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating a bear attack in Fulton County.

Officials say a 55-year old Troy man was walking his small dog in the Stewart's Landing area of the Ferris Lake Wild Forest in the Town of Stratford late Tuesday afternoon when the unleashed dog encountered a bear.

The bear attacked the dog and then the dog owner after the man tried to separate the animals. The man was able to hit the bear on the nose with a stick, causing the bear to run away,

Both the victim and the dog suffered bites, scratches and puncture wounds. The injuries to the man are not considered life threatening.

The man was taken to a Utica hospital and the dog was taken to a local veterinarian.

The DEC believes the bear has left the area and poses no threat at this time.  If you encounter a bear, DEC recommends the following tips:

•  Never approach, surround or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
• Never run from a bear: stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area.
• Use noise to scare away bears from your campsite: yell, clap or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite.
•  Do not throw your backpack or food bag at an approaching bear: Doing so will only encourage bears to approach and "bully" people to get food.