College Student Killed in Rare Bear Attack While Hiking in NJ

[cali]

A 300-pound male bear mauled a hiker to death in northern New Jersey in what officials say was the first fatal bear attack on record in the state.

Rutgers University identified the victim today as 22-year-old Darsh Patel, a senior studying technology and informatics at the school, who was hiking with friends in the Apshawa Preserve on Sunday when the attack happened.

"This is a rare occurrence," West Milford police Chief Timothy Storbeck said at a news conference today.

Patel, from Edison, N.J., was with five friends when the group realized a bear was following them, Storbeck said. They ran, splitting up along the way, and when the friends couldn't find Patel, they called police, who found the student's body about two hours later.

<snip>

http://abcnews.go.com/US/college-student-killed-rare-bear-attack-hiking-nj/story?id=25680953

[aikoaiko]

1. That sounds like a terrifying way to die.

RIP Darsh.

[AngryAmish]

2. We need a bear patrol.

[Earth_First]

5. +1 for Simpsons reference. nt

[Logical]

15. Glad you think this is funny! nt

[Glassunion]

24. Too soon?

[KamaAina]

20. The Number One threat to America IS bears!

[geek tragedy]

3. their decision to run is probably what killed him.

act like prey, and any bear/lion/puma etc will treat you like prey

[Flyboy_451]

4. Agreed...

Unfortunately, it seems that fewer and fewer people spend enough time in remote areas to be well educated on how to interact with wild animals. Combine that with our growing intrusion into their natural habitat and there are bound to be problems sooner or later.

Please, if you plan to hike, camp, mountain bike, etc in areas where there is a possibility of encountering potentially dangerous animals, take the time to learn how to deal with chance encounters. Most animals, even aggressive predators, can be avoided pretty easily with a bit of knowledge.

[BeyondGeography]

7. Suburban NJ is not a recent intrusion

The big change in the dynamic since the 80s has been a growing population of bears. That said, this is the first such fatality in 150 years. Not what one would call an epidemic.

The state of NJ offers sensible advice on how to deal with bears. It would be nice if some of that worked its way into the media coverage.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/bearfacts_safetytips.htm

[Flyboy_451]

11. The intrusion of people into animal habitat

Is only part of the problem. As you say, information and advice is available. Unfortunately, a certain number of people fail to research such information. I spend a significant amount of time in pretty remote areas and view it as my responsibility to understand how to interact with wild animals, should the need arise. My point is that it seems less people are educated outdoorsman now than in times past.

I strongly encourage people to venture into the great outdoors. But, like many other endeavors in life, education is a key to success and enjoyment of said adventures. As much as people here on DU seem to love bashing on anyone that is not urban and enlightened, I dare say that many of us less sophisticated rural folks know a hell of a lot more about safely enjoying uninhabited (by people) areas.

Every environment has particular hazards that need to be understood. Failing to make an effort to do so, particularly in this age of information, is nothing short of irresponsible.

[Drahthaardogs]

33. As an Alaskan I had the following pounded into my head

PLAY DEAD in a brown bear attack. Cover your head and go limp. If a black bear attacks he sees you as prey. FiGHT BACK FOR YOUR LIFE.

[morningfog]

6. So sad. That is so rare that I wonder if there

is more to the story.

[LeftinOH]

8. Five people split up and ran - which is exactly *not* what to do...

Of course, probably none of them would have known how to handle the situation - because few people hiking in New Jersey would ever expect to encounter a bear. Tragic.

[LisaL]

18. It worked out for four of them.

[AngryAmish]

19. hehehe

[Straw Man]

23. Bears.

Of course, probably none of them would have known how to handle the situation - because few people hiking in New Jersey would ever expect to encounter a bear. Tragic.

Actually, bears are fairly common in the wooded areas of Northern Jersey. Hikers ignore this fact at their peril, as we saw in this incident.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

31. I only know about bears in NJ by watching The Sopranos.

[H2O Man]

9. Very sad.

Even for those of us who have grown up out "in the sticks," encountering a bear always gets your heart beating fast. But there isn't any way to out-run one (unless you car is 12 feet away). In fact, pre-1492, the people of the northeast learned how to pace themselves for long runs on the woodland trails, by studying bears -- they take a unique approach to trotting up a hill, and running down it, that increases endurance.

There is generally more risk in encountering a mother bear with cubs, in the spring and early summer, for obvious reasons. But there are a few spots where locals don't tread in the early fall, because adult bears aren't much friendly, or as likely to turn in the opposite direction if they are aware of a human coming their way.

[Shankapotomus]

10. A video example of standing your ground

Not sure how "correct" this is but here a woman shows how she deals with bears on her nj property.

It seems to me if you run you're telling the bear you're weaker than them and it gives them confidence to charge you. If you don't run (unless they surprise you and are on top of you before you can react) they will remain uncertain whether they should attack.

[VScott]

21. Riiiiight.

This woman is flirting with disaster.

Just leave the area and leave the fucking thing alone.

[Politicalboi]

27. This woman ain't got nothing

On this crazy woman. But this bear woman is crazy with her politics. LOL!

http://www.wimp.com/wildcheetahs/

[VScott]

36. No need to be concerned, they're just kittehs... only bigger.

[leftyladyfrommo]

12. Bears are wild animals. They are unpredictable.

If you go into bear country you need to take the time to find out how to handle wild life encounters.

Remember the guy in Alaska who thought he knew all about bears. He and his girlfriend lived with them. He made wild life films of them. Got really close. Piece of cake. You just have to know bears.

And then he and his girlfriend were both attacked and killed by a bear.

They made the serious mistake of not respecting the wildness in these animals. They have different personalities. And they have bad and good days.

Any wild animal is dangerous just by the very nature of their being wild.

[Nye Bevan]

13. The problem is, suburban New Jersey is not typical "bear country".

I wouldn't have known not to run either. Having read this thread, and the news stories, now I know, but of course that's too late for the poor guy who got mauled.

[leftyladyfrommo]

14. It might be really hard not to run.

I'm afraid that if I came face to face with a bear my fear instinct would have me hi tailing out of there. It really takes a huge amount of control to just stand your ground.

But ya, bears and suburban areas don't mix well. And the poor bears are always the losers. Well, except in this case where everyone came out a loser.

[Coventina]

16. And now any male bear meeting the description will be killed.

That is, if the usual protocol is followed.



I have hiked/camped many times in bear country.

Keep your food sealed up. Make lots of noise. While on a hike, blow a whistle periodically. Bring a dog of any size.
Bears hate dogs for some reason and will avoid them, no matter the size.

If you encounter a bear watch it carefully, make no sudden moves unless it appears to be aggressive to you.
If it makes aggressive moves, yell, scream, make yourself look as big as possible by flapping your coat or getting on top of something.

DON'T RUN! That will trigger a "chase" reflex.

Worst case scenario: if the bear still attacks you, curl into a ball, protecting your head, while still making as much noise as possible.

[Drahthaardogs]

34. this bear needs to be killed

It sees humans as prey.

[Coventina]

37. Why? Why shouldn't it see humans as prey?

It's a bear.

When it chooses to be (bears are omnivores) it can be a top predator.

That's what nature designed it to be.

I've never understood this human attitude that somehow we should "punish" other species for the "crime" of behaving according to their nature.

[Drahthaardogs]

38. It is not "their" nature

Black bears do not normally see humans as prey. Brown bears do not either. They are all about fish and usually only attack when they see humans as a threat.

[Coventina]

41. OK I will grant you that it is not usual for bears to prey on humans.

But it is not unheard of, and they are not committing a crime in doing so.

[Eleanors38]

17. Male black bears who silently stalk see a menu...

Last edited Wed Sep 24, 2014, 07:56 PM - Edit history (1)

I can't link to the source with this portable, but its from www.adn.com/art... "Lone, predatory black bears responsible for most human attacks" in the 5-11-11 ed. Google dangerous black bear behavior.

While attacks are extremely rare, the most dangerous situations are lone males who silently stalk: They are sizing you up, and may persist in predatory behavior. The recommendation if a rushing charge ensues is not to flee or curl up on the ground. It is to fight back with everything you've got. These are not mothers with cubs, or accidental encounters. The researchers cited in the article caution against confusing defensive measures for black bears with those of brown bears. Bear spray and awareness of environs are important. The researchers speculate that more attacks by males may have been thwarted by culling offenders; usually one such animal is responsible for all attacks in a given area.

NJ's "blackie" (common nickname) population is expanding, so more encounters can be expected.

[Jenoch]

25. Wasp/hornet spray would work too.

A shot in the face to a black bear would stop the bear.

(In fact, I wish the principal at Newtown had a can of that spray nearby to shoot Lanza in the face with it.)

[Eleanors38]

29. Hadn't thought of that. Long-range, too.

[Zorra]

42. Alaskan Fish & Game wildlife biologists say not to use wasp spray as a deterrent for bears.

Bear experts instead urge people to use caution and common sense to avoid bear encounters, and if needed, to use bear spray as a non-lethal deterrent or firearms as a lethal deterrent. Specifically, here are their reasons:

1) Wasp spray requires careful aim and is not designed to incapacitate large animals: Wasp spray disperses in a direct stream, which would necessitate a direct hit by the user, likely to the bear’s eyes or face. Bear spray, on the other hand, disperses in a wide fog, which means that the person spraying it does not need to have accurate aim for it to still be effective. While no deterrent is 100 percent effective in all situations, research and actual use has proven that bear spray can be an effective deterrent against advancing bears. Wasp spray, while cheaper, is not designed for use on large animals and has not been proven effective as a wildlife deterrent.

2) Wasp spray is a poison: Approved bear spray contains capsaicin, a chemical derived from cayenne peppers that temporarily disables bears, or people, without typically causing permanent harm. In contrast, wasp spray is a poison that could be harmfulhttp://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=480nd bears. The active ingredient in most wasp sprays are pyrethrins, natural organic compounds designed to penetrate the nervous system of insects and kill them. Even though some self-defense experts have recommended the use of wasp spray instead of mace against people, safety concerns are significant enough that some states have specifically outlawed the use of any self-defense sprays other than pepper sprays (those containing capsaicin.

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=480

I always carry bear spray when I am backpacking in bear country. I use counter assault, it sprays up to 32 ft. fortunately, I've never had to use it, but many years ago our dog chased a black bear sow and her two cubs up a tree when she was trying to raid our camp. The next day we were walking on a narrow trail above a lake with steep scree slopes above and below us. A cow moose and her calf came around a curve from the opposite direction, about 20 yds. in front of us. The dog charged mama moose and mama moose put her head down and charged the dog, and we (including the dog) all scrambled up the scree as fast as we could. Mama and her calf stood below us, and when mama was satisfied that she had sufficiently explained to the dog that charging a mama moose and her calf was not too smart, she and her baby continued on their way.

And I holstered my pepper spray, and we went on our way.

It's just not a good idea to try to deter a large dangerous animal with a deterrent weapon that has never been known to be effective against large dangerous animals. That could get someone mangled or killed.

[Jenoch]

43. Thanks for the clarification.

And I suppose if Lanza had been sprayed with wasp spray before shooting anyone he would have sued the school district and won.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

32. Yep. It sounds like they were being stalked.

[Initech]

22. Call Stephen Colbert quick!

[Historic NY]

26. They were also out hiking with granola..

this report doesn't mention that.

Kelcey Burguess, principal biologist and leader of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife's black bear project, said the bear could have been predisposed to attack but more likely was looking for food, particularly since wildlife officials believe there is a current shortage of the acorns and berries that bears eat. The hikers had granola bars and water with them, Storbeck said.

http://www.people.com/article/bear-attack-kills-student-new-jersey

They should have "thrown it" at the bear and then left the area in a calm manner.

[Politicalboi]

28. Isn't there a bear app

An app that would make sounds only a bear could hear, and would run away. Or a real loud siren app. Or know not to run, and watch your friends that do run do all the work for you.

[Eleanors38]

30. Old joke: 2 guys running from a bear. Runner 1:

"We can't outrun a bear!"

Runner 2: "I know, I just have to outrun you!"

[Drahthaardogs]

39. Alaskan version:

Runner 1: That .22 won't stop a bear

Runner 2: It's not for bears. It is to shoot you in the foot!

[Eleanors38]

40. Good one. I heard this one from a Siberian Russian:

"If you fall through the ice into the water, it takes 45 seconds to freeze to death. But if you're a real man you can do it in 30."

[uppityperson]

35. RIP. Reading the article, it sounds like a predatory bear, hungry and looking for food at a time it

should be fat with lots of berries available except not this year.

It sounds like ot was following, stalking, them. Also it wouldn't leave its kill. Unless it is surprised, or with cubs, if a black bear attacks, fight back and stick together as you can help each other.