Officials: Bear That Killed Rutgers Student In Passaic County Wasn't Rabid
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A bear that attacked and killed a Rutgers University student in Passaic County did not have rabies, New Jersey state wildlife officials said Tuesday.
The information was included in documents made public Tuesday night by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Rutgers senior Darsh Patel, 22, and four friends were hiking in the Apshawa Preserve in northern Passaic County late last month when they noticed the bear following them, authorities said. The group scattered and they called police when they realized Patel was missing.
A search team found Patel's body, which showed signs of a bear attack. Police shot and killed a 302-pound bear, which was circling the victim's body.
Wildlife officials believe there is a current shortage of acorns and berries that bears eat.
The hikers had granola bars and water with them, but there is no indication they fed the bear, officials said.
Patel was a senior at Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences, majoring in information technology and informatics.
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