In a shocking incident, a 7-year-old boy was attacked by a bear in his backyard in Westchester, New York on Monday morning. The North Castle Police Department quickly responded to a 911 call made by the child's parents, who were understandably panicked by the situation. The attack took place at around 11:15 a.m. in the quiet suburban community of Armonk, which is located about 45 minutes outside New York City.

According to reports, the child had been playing in the woods just behind his house on Hickory Kingdom Road when he came face to face with the aggressive bear. Hearing the screams of the young boy, a neighbor managed to capture a photo of the bear near a playset in the backyard, giving authorities a visual record of the terrifying encounter.

Upon arrival at the scene, multiple agencies including animal control were present to handle the dangerous situation. The bear, which remained a potential threat to not only the first responders but also residents in the surrounding area, was unfortunately euthanized by a North Castle police officer using a long gun. Although it is always tragic to lose an animal's life, the difficult decision to euthanize the bear was made in order to ensure the safety of the community.

The child, attended to by EMS workers at the scene, was then quickly transported to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the young boy are reported to be non-life-threatening, providing some relief to his worried family and neighbors.

Following the incident, officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation arrived to take custody of the bear's body. In coordination with the Westchester County Department of Health, the bear will be tested for rabies as a precautionary measure. These tests will help authorities determine if the bear posed an additional health risk to the community.

North Castle Police Chief Peter Simonsen praised the bravery and quick action taken by the child's parents, who were inside the home at the time of the attack. Simonsen emphasized that their immediate response in reporting the incident contributed greatly to ensuring the safety of their child. "That's extremely brave. That's what parents do, though. That's what good parents do," he stated.

As investigations into the incident continue, the community of Armonk is left shaken by the startling encounter with wildlife in their own backyard. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk even in seemingly safe suburban areas, and the importance of remaining vigilant and taking appropriate action when confronted with such threats.