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Zoo worker in critical condition after being attacked by bear at Nemacolin

Woman was flown by medical helicopter to hospital

Zoo worker in critical condition after being attacked by bear at Nemacolin

Woman was flown by medical helicopter to hospital

>> PITTSBURGH’S ACTION WITH BREAKING NEWS. BRITTANY: BREAKING TONIGHT, A ZOO WORKER ATTACKED BY A BEAR AT NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT. RYAN: IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING DURING A SAFARI TOUR. RESORT OFFICIALS SAY THE WOMAN LEADING THE TOUR WAS IN BETWEEN SOME FENCING, WHEN THE HIMALAYAN BEAR REACHED OUT, PULLED HER TO IT AND BIT HER BICEP. >> NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT. PERSON HAS BEEN MAULED, ATTACKED BY A BEAR. RYAN: THE WOMAN WAS AIRLIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL, WHERE SHE UNDERWENT SURGERY. NEMACOLIN OFFICIALS SAY THE BEAR HAS NOT BEEN PUT DOWN, BUT IT HAS BEEN PUT INTO A SEPARATE PEN. NEMACOLIN IS REVIEWING THE ATTACK AND SAYS THE BEAR ENCLOSURE IS SECURE. THEY ARE ALSO ARRANGING COUNSELING FOR GUESTS AND STAFF WHO WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. THE ZOO WAS OPEN AFTER THE ATTA
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Zoo worker in critical condition after being attacked by bear at Nemacolin

Woman was flown by medical helicopter to hospital

A zoo worker at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort was attacked by a bear while guiding a routine safari tour Saturday morning, officials from Nemacolin confirmed.She was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital, where she underwent surgery.Officials from Nemacolin said a Himalayan bear reached through a wire fence, pulled the worker closer and bit her arm as she was standing between two layers of fencing at the bear enclosure.On Sunday afternoon, a West Virginia University Medical Center spokesperson confirmed that the woman was in critical condition at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.Nemacolin said it is cooperating with "outside agencies" that are investigating the incident.The resort also said that the bear, which had been separated to a different pen after the attack, is now back in its normal enclosure and receiving "constant care, supervision and attention" from veterinary and wildlife staff.Nemacolin issued a statement that said the bear enclosure is "completely secure" and that counseling was being arranged for guests and staff who witnessed the incident."In the wake of what happened to one of my Nemacolin family members on July 20, my number-one concern is to provide the best care for our associate, and any resources needed for our family and anyone else impacted by this event. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with everyone involved," said Maggie Hardy Knox, president of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in a press release.Stay with the WTAE mobile app for updates. Download the app now to stay connected with breaking news updates.

A zoo worker at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort was attacked by a bear while guiding a routine safari tour Saturday morning, officials from Nemacolin confirmed.

She was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital, where she underwent surgery.

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Officials from Nemacolin said a Himalayan bear reached through a wire fence, pulled the worker closer and bit her arm as she was standing between two layers of fencing at the bear enclosure.

On Sunday afternoon, a West Virginia University Medical Center spokesperson confirmed that the woman was in critical condition at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

Nemacolin said it is cooperating with "outside agencies" that are investigating the incident.

The resort also said that the bear, which had been separated to a different pen after the attack, is now back in its normal enclosure and receiving "constant care, supervision and attention" from veterinary and wildlife staff.

Nemacolin issued a statement that said the bear enclosure is "completely secure" and that counseling was being arranged for guests and staff who witnessed the incident.

"In the wake of what happened to one of my Nemacolin family members on July 20, my number-one concern is to provide the best care for our associate, and any resources needed for our family and anyone else impacted by this event. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with everyone involved," said Maggie Hardy Knox, president of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in a press release.

Stay with the WTAE mobile app for updates. Download the app now to stay connected with breaking news updates.