Exotic Incident #180

Reported:

Location:

Reform, MO - USA

Species:

Trap Type:

Incident Date:

21/02/1998

Victim's Disposition:

Victim's Name:

Legal Action:

Result:

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.