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© The Wild Center, Creative CommonsBlack bear (Ursus americanus).
State officials say a 55 year old man was attacked by a black bear Tuesday evening in Fulton County in the southwest corner of the Adirondack Park.

The man, who wasn't named, was walking his dog in the Ferris Lake Wild Forest near the town of Stratford.

According to the DEC, the bear first attacked the dog and when the man tried to intervene, hitting the animal with a stick, he suffered bites, scratches and puncture wounds. The injuries weren't considered life-threatening.

After the bear attack, passing drivers helped the man and he was eventually taken to a hospital in Utica. The dog was taken to a local veterinarian for treatment.

State officials attempted to track the black bear this week but were unable to locate the animal. In a statement, DEC said that they believe "the bear has left the area and poses no continuing threat at this time."