'Boys Saved My Husband's Life' From Bear Attack, Scoutmaster's Wife Says

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The Boonton man who encountered a bear inside a Rockaway Township cave Sunday is crediting the three young men he was hiking with for saving his life.

Chris Petronino, 50, was hiking with three boys between the ages of 12 and 14 Sunday when he came across a bear cave he’s been exploring for more than 30 years, and had visited just a few weeks ago. Petronino dropped into the cave, which was situation between two rocks, and startled a bear inside the crevasse.

As a result, the bear grabbed Petronino’s leg, bit and scratched him in several areas, and stood over him in the cave for an hour before leaving the area.

See related: Bear Attacks, Traps Scoutmaster In Cave

But the boys hiking with Petronino, who were not named by officials, called police and tried luring the animal out of the cave with food, possibly keeping the bear from further harming the Scoutmaster.

Petronino’s wife, Lydia, released a statement while the man recovers in the hospital.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support for Chris,” she said. “I especially want to commend the three boys who truly saved my husband’s life because of their quick thinking and brave actions.”

See related: Bear That Attacked Scoutmaster Not Aggressive, Won’t Be Euthanized: State

The family went on to say they are requesting privacy as Petronino begins his journey to recovery.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife announced Monday it would not pursue the bear and do not consider it aggressive.