Allentown Dog Bite Lawyer Discusses Recent Animal Attacks in Pennsylvania

According to Outforia, Pennsylvania ranks #8 in states where most people are killed by wild animals, using data from the 20-year period from 1999 to 2019. The data doesn’t include bee stings, getting mauled by a dog, or the number of deadly car crashes caused by hitting a deer. These stats are designed to measure attacks by wild animals like bears, coyotes, cougars, wolves, and sharks, i.e., the types of animals that you avoid at all costs since any encounter will end badly for you.

Pennsylvania had 148 deaths from animal attacks in the past 20 years, accounting for its #8 ranking on the list of states where the most people are killed by animals. The same rugged countryside enjoyed by Pennsylvanians is the perfect habitat for dangerous animals. After all, we people are encroaching on their territory rather than the other way around. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wild or domesticated animal attack in Pennsylvania, contact an Allentown dog bite lawyer for help to see if any third party is liable for your injuries.

What Are Some Recent Animal Attacks in Pennsylvania?

As discussed above, Pennsylvania has more than its share of animal attacks, including the following:

• In October 2020, a bear attack killed a family dog, according to Newsweek. This is the second time in just two years that a bear has attacked the family. The family stated that they let their dog out for a walk in their backyard when the black bear attacked. The bear attacked in full force, pinning the family dog, named “Bear,” to the family steps, allowing the family time to get into the house for safety. In short, the pet was sacrificed to save the family.
• Also, in 2020, a coyote acting “erratic[ly]” attacked two men and a dog in Newberry Township. According to a Pennsylvania Game Commission warden, the coyote, suspected of carrying rabies, was killed by a resident.
• According to PennLive, in July 2021, a mysterious animal attacked the motion-sensing cameras set up by nearby Pennsylvania residents. Although nobody was injured, the camera equipment was damaged for unknown reasons. Intelligent wildlife, perhaps?

What Types of Animals May Attack?

Any number of wild or even domesticated animals can be provoked into attacking, especially when their food source or young is threatened. Some of the most common animals that attack humans include:

• Brown bears
• Snakes
• Black bears
• Cougars
• Wolves

An Allentown Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Determine Liability if You’re Attacked by an Animal in Pennsylvania

Wild animal attacks are difficult because these animals are not generally cared for by humans, who therefore have no responsibility for the animals’ actions. However, responsibility for wild animal behavior may lie with immediately unknown entities, and pets’ behavior is often the pet owner’s responsibility. 

An Allentown dog bite lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis can help you determine if any persons or entities are responsible for an attacking animal’s behavior. If you have been injured by an attacking animal, contact us for your free consultation.