Full Breakdown
Black Bear Chases Boy into Pennsylvania Dollar Store
11/19/2025, 2:36:12 PM
Incident Overview
On November 18, 2025, an 11-year-old boy named Cole Frazee experienced a terrifying encounter with a black bear at a Family Dollar store in Markleysburg, Pennsylvania. The incident began when Cole stepped outside to check on his father, who was shopping inside. Upon exiting, he spotted a black bear that immediately began to chase him into the store, prompting a frantic scramble for safety.
The Chase
As Cole ran into the Family Dollar, he described the bear as being "like a foot and a half away" from him. In a panic, he raced through the aisles, screaming for help. The only other person in the store, a cashier, quickly joined him in seeking refuge. They both jumped onto the counter to escape the bear's reach. Cole recounted, “I was like, ‘I’m probably going to get eaten by a bear.’”
Surveillance footage captured the bear leaping over the counter just moments after Cole and the cashier fled. The bear remained in the store for approximately ten minutes, wandering around before eventually finding its way out. Cole expressed relief once he was safely locked inside a car, stating, “I was relieved. It was definitely a crazy experience.”
Context of Bear Activity
The Pennsylvania Game Commission noted that this time of year is when bears are actively searching for food, which can lead to unexpected encounters with humans. This seasonal behavior underscores the importance of being vigilant in areas where bears may be present.
Community Reaction
Following the incident, Cole became a local sensation, with his peers at school expressing disbelief at his harrowing experience. He humorously remarked, “That’s like one in a million right there,” indicating the rarity of such encounters.
Official Statements
The Pennsylvania Game Commission reiterated the need for caution during this time of year, as bears are more likely to venture into populated areas in search of food. They emphasized the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings to prevent dangerous encounters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Cole Frazee, 11-year-old boy
- “I was like, ‘I’m probably going to get eaten by a bear,’” — Cole Frazee
- “It was definitely a crazy experience.” — Cole Frazee
- “That’s like one in a million right there,” — Cole Frazee
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife interactions, particularly in areas where human and bear habitats overlap.
