Prompt Procedures Have a Great Impact on the Consequences of Asiatic Black Bear Mauling

Although bear-inflicted human injuries are rare and the mortality rate of the injuries is usually not high, the chances of bear-human interactions have been increasing, with fatal cases being reported in Japan every year. The aim of this study was to report a series of bear-inflicted injuries and discuss their management and severity.

A retrospective study was performed at the emergency and critical care center of Aizu Chuo Hospital, a tertiary care center in Japan, from May 2013 to September 2015. During this period, we encountered 14 black bear injury patients (12 men and 2 women).

Six victims were attacked in dense forests while collecting wild vegetables; 4 victims were attacked near their houses. Lacerations of the scalp and face were the most frequent injuries, affecting 13 patients. Three patients developed hemorrhagic shock. Injury severity scores ranged from 2 to 12 (median value, 6). None of the injuries was fatal. Thirteen patients were transported by the local fire department's ambulances, 9 of whom were transferred to doctor ambulances.

Although the severity and mortality rate following bear-inflicted injuries are not high, these encounters usually take place in remote rural areas, so a delay in rescue and proper care can lead to the incident becoming fatal. Hence, early decisions and arrangements for patient transportation to a tertiary care center and prompt measures to save lives will have a positive impact on the consequences of such incidents.