by Markleysburg, PA – A startling incident unfolded at a Family Dollar in Markleysburg, Pennsylvania, when an 11-year-old boy, Cole Frazee, was chased by a black bear into the store during a shopping trip. The frightening event was captured on surveillance footage, showing the massive animal leaping over the counter just moments after the boy and a store employee escaped.
Frazee had been looking for his father in the store when he noticed the black bear nearby. “When it runs after me, I turn around, I run in the store, I’m screaming and stuff. The thing was like a foot and a half away from me,” he told CBS Pittsburgh.
Quick Thinking Saves Lives
The young boy sprinted through the store’s aisles and joined the cashier on the counter, escaping just before the bear leaped over the same counter. “She grabbed her coat, the keys, and the phone and we ran out of there. When we ran out of there, we all got in the car,” Frazee recalled.
Surveillance footage shows the 600-pound male black bear towering over the counter before leaping back to the floor. The bear wandered inside the store for roughly 10 minutes before finally leaving the premises.
Black Bears on the Move
According to the National Wildlife Federation, a large male black bear can weigh up to 600 pounds, while females rarely exceed 200 pounds. The Pennsylvania Game Commission notes that bears are actively searching for food during this time of year, which can increase the likelihood of unexpected encounters with humans.
“I was relieved,” Frazee said. “It was definitely a crazy experience.” Authorities emphasize the importance of remaining calm and seeking immediate shelter when faced with wildlife encounters, especially with black bears.
Safety Measures and Awareness
This incident serves as a reminder for local residents to remain vigilant in areas where wildlife may roam near residential or commercial properties. Experts suggest securing food sources, keeping a safe distance, and immediately notifying authorities when encountering a potentially dangerous animal.
Have you ever encountered wildlife in an unexpected place? Share your stories and tips in the comments below — your experience could help others stay safe.
