Black Bear Attacks Child in Burrillville Backyard, Prompts Statewide Wildlife Warning
A young child was injured in a rare black bear encounter in Burrillville on Tuesday evening, prompting a strong response from local and state officials. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. in a residential neighborhood near East Avenue, where a black bear reportedly entered a backyard and attacked an 8-year-old playing outside.
According to Burrillville Police, the child sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including lacerations and bruising, and was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence for treatment. The child is currently in stable condition and expected to recover.
“This is an incredibly rare and frightening event for our community,” said Burrillville Police Chief Stephen Lynch. “We are working closely with the Department of Environmental Management to track and safely relocate the animal.”
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) confirmed that a bear was spotted multiple times in the area earlier in the week, but this is the first confirmed human injury resulting from an encounter.
Officials believe the bear may have been attracted by unsecured trash or food left outside, a growing concern as bear sightings increase across northern Rhode Island. Wildlife officers have deployed traps and are conducting patrols throughout the wooded perimeter of the neighborhood.
DEM urges residents to:
Secure garbage, bird feeders, and outdoor pet food
Supervise children and pets when outdoors
Avoid approaching wildlife and immediately report sightings
“This incident underscores the importance of living responsibly with wildlife,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “While black bears are generally not aggressive, any animal can be unpredictable when food-conditioned or startled.”
The community is on high alert as authorities continue efforts to locate the bear. Anyone who sees the animal is urged to stay away and contact DEM’s 24-hour emergency line.
