Catskill Woman Says Bear Swatted Her in the Face in Her Own Yard

Catskill Woman Says Bear Swatted Her Face

A Catskill woman says years of escalating bear problems turned physical last week when a black bear allegedly swatted her across the face in her own yard.

According to a report from Porcupine Soup News and video coverage from WNYT, 70-year-old Jeanette Ricucci was outside her home around 8 PM on Friday when she suddenly came face-to-face with a black bear.

Jeannette Ricucci speaks with Dan Levy from News Channel 13. Photo: Screengrab from WNYT YouTube

"It put its paws up and cuffed me," Ricucci told Porcupine Soup. "Whacked me across the face and then trampled over me when it ran off."

Ricucci said she suffered bruising to her face, knees, foot, and elbow. She was evaluated by EMS but declined a trip to the hospital.

Terrorized by Black Bear

The encounter came after what she describes as more than a year of ongoing bear issues. Ricucci says bears have repeatedly damaged her property, including destroying a retaining wall, tearing apart part of her deck, and causing an estimated $20,000 in damage.

Photo: Screengrab from WNYT YouTube

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation acknowledged the incident and said wildlife experts continue to monitor bear activity in Greene County while working with the resident to reduce attractants around the property, according to the source.

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Ricucci, who has lived in the area for 45 years, says she's now afraid to leave her home after dark.

"I've done everything you're supposed to do," she told Porcupine News. "Enough is enough."

What Should You Do If You Encounter a Bear?

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the best thing you can do is make noise. If you spot a bear near your home or campsite, yell, clap, or bang pots and pans to encourage it to move along.

If you come face-to-face with a bear, stay calm. Speak in a loud, steady voice, slowly back away, and leave the area.

The DEC warns residents never to approach, surround, or corner a bear, especially if cubs are nearby. Bears that feel threatened may become aggressive.

And whatever you do, don't run. Bears can run much faster than humans and may instinctively give chase.

Wildlife officials also remind residents to eliminate food sources whenever possible.

Bears are always searching for food sources. If those sources are removed, bears will continue looking elsewhere, the DEC said.