Cairo, NY (WRGB) — According to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), a 63-year-old man was attacked by a black bear in Cairo on August 30, prompting a response from Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) following a 911 call. The injured man was found at a neighbor’s residence after the bear, which was in an entry room where food and garbage were stored, either bit or scratched him as it attempted to escape through a doorway. The bear had left the scene by the time ECOs arrived, and the man was taken to the hospital for treatment.

NYSDEC emphasized that bear attacks are extremely rare in the state. They urged residents to adhere to BearWise basics to minimize the risk of human-bear conflicts. During the spring and early summer, black bears, having depleted their fat reserves, actively search for calorie-dense foods, increasing the likelihood of encounters near homes, especially before natural food sources become available.

The NYSDEC advises that if a bear poses an immediate risk to public safety, residents should call 911. For non-emergency situations where a bear is damaging property or reluctant to leave, contact the regional wildlife office during business hours or the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).