Rabies Test Results In On Bear That Bit Woman At NJ Dollar Store

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — The rabies test results are in for the bear that wandered into a Dollar General and bit a woman in Sussex County, according to NJ Fish and Wildlife.

The bear, euthanized following the incident, tested negative for rabies, officials said. However, results are still pending for the animal's necropsy, according to authorities.

Last week, a 175-pound black bear wandered into Vernon Township’s Dollar General and bit a 90-year-old customer's leg after attacking a dog.

Read More: Bear Killed After Biting Woman In NJ Dollar Store

Vernon police killed the bear after it had been led outside of the store by another customer.

The bear was determined to be a Category I Black Bear, meaning it was “exhibiting behavior that is an immediate threat to human safety,” according to NJ Fish and Wildlife.

Examples of Category I Black Bear behavior include attacking humans, livestock, pets, and crops, as well as entering or attempting to enter homes or tents.

Vernon police followed NJ Fish and Wildlife’s Category I Black Bear protocol, which is to euthanize the bear “as soon as possible to protect the public or eliminate further damage.”

NJ Fish and Wildlife immediately collected the bear’s remains after it was put down to test for rabies. The bear’s violent and “erratic” behavior indicated it could be sick; however, results show the bear was not rabid.

Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal should contact their healthcare provider immediately, as rabies can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Click here to learn more about rabies, with information provided by the NJ Office of Fish and Wildlife Health and Forensics.