Exotic Incident #180
Incident Date:
02/21/1998
Location:
Reform, MO - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Bears
Animal:
Black Bear
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
A 600-lb black bear, Big Max, kept as a caged “pet,” severed the hand of a 6-year-old boy at the boy’s grandfather’s farm. The boy was attempting to rub the bear’s nose at the time of incident. The bear had been kept as a “pet” for more than 10 years. Doctors were able to reattach the boy’s hand which was connected by only about an inch and a half of skin. Big Max was euthanized and tested for rabies.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: