Boy hospitalized after bear attack in New York, police say
Police said the bear remained in the yard and presented a "present danger to first responders and area residents," and therefore, was euthanized.
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BEDFORD, New York – A boy was hospitalized in Westchester County, New York after police said a bear attacked him in his backyard.
According to a statement, the North Castle Police Department received a 911 call at 11:16 a.m. Tuesday from a person who reported their child was attacked by a bear at their home on Hickory Kingdom Road.
Police told WNYW-TV that the 7-year-old boy was playing with a sibling when he was attacked.
Westchester County Department of Emergency Services dispatched resources from Banksville and Armonk dire departments and a WEMS paramedic. North Castle police and animal control also responded.
The child was taken to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. Police said the injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
File photo: American black bear (Ursus americanus) foraging in forest among trees.
(Philippe Clement / Arterra / Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
Police said the bear remained in the yard and presented a "present danger to first responders and area residents." Police euthanized the bear at the scene.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) took possession of the bear's body.
According to the New York DEC, black bears are present in New York but rarely seen by residents.