A black bear chases an 11-year-old boy into a Pennsylvania store, leaving locals on edge and questioning wildlife management practices.
Story Highlights
- Video captures a bear chasing a boy into a Family Dollar store in Markleysburg, Pennsylvania.
- The bear leapt over the store counter, roaming inside for ten minutes.
- Despite the frightening encounter, no injuries were reported.
- The incident has reignited discussions on wildlife management in rural areas.
Bizarre Bear Encounter Captured on Camera
On November 17, 2025, in the rural town of Markleysburg, Pennsylvania, a black bear chased 11-year-old Cole Frazee into a Family Dollar store. The incident, captured on security footage, shows the bear charging through the store’s front doors, prompting Cole and a cashier to scramble onto the counter for safety.
For about ten minutes, the bear roamed inside, ultimately exiting without causing harm. This unusual behavior has left the community shaken and questioning the adequacy of current wildlife management practices.
The chase began when Cole stepped outside the store to check on his father. The bear, seemingly motivated by the scent of food, pursued him back inside. The Pennsylvania Game Commission, tasked with overseeing wildlife management, is investigating the incident and monitoring bear activity in the area.
This event underscores the increasing frequency of human-wildlife encounters, as bears venture into populated areas in search of sustenance during the late autumn months.
Wildlife Management Under Scrutiny
Black bears, native to Pennsylvania, have become a more common sight in towns like Markleysburg due to habitat encroachment and food scarcity. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has acknowledged the growing challenge of managing these interactions.
While bears typically avoid humans, their behavior can become unpredictable when food is scarce. This incident has prompted calls for a review of current wildlife policies to better protect both the animals and the community.
Local residents are expressing heightened concern over the potential risks of future encounters. The Game Commission has issued advisories urging the public to secure food sources and remain vigilant, especially as bear activity peaks in the fall.
The Family Dollar store has resumed normal operations, but the psychological impact on those involved, particularly young Cole, remains significant. The community is now more aware of the need for preventive measures to avoid similar situations in the future.
Calls for Action and Public Safety
The incident has sparked renewed discussions on the balance between wildlife preservation and public safety. Experts emphasize the importance of coexisting with wildlife while ensuring that communities remain protected from potential threats.
Strategies such as securing trash cans, managing food attractants, and educating the public on bear behavior are considered crucial steps in minimizing conflicts.
As the investigation continues, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s role in guiding policy and public education becomes increasingly vital.
The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate equilibrium between expanding human habitats and the natural behaviors of wildlife, urging policymakers to consider more comprehensive approaches to wildlife management.
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