Polytrauma from a North American Black Bear Attack

Area of Science:

• Traumatology
• Wildlife Biology

Background:

• Bear attacks, though infrequent, pose significant health risks.
• North American black bears (Ursus americanus) are responsible for documented maulings.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old woman in rural Pennsylvania experienced a black bear attack.
• The patient suffered extensive injuries: near-complete scalp avulsion, bilateral ear avulsions, facial fractures, rib fractures, and pelvic fractures.

Findings:

• The observed injuries align with patterns seen in previous bear mauling incidents.
• Complex trauma necessitates immediate medical intervention.

Implications:

• Effective management of severe bear attack injuries requires a multidisciplinary treatment strategy.
• Understanding ursine behavior and human-wildlife interactions is crucial for prevention.