Woman, 54, severely injured after being mauled by caged BEAR she was trying to pet at wildlife center

FLORIDA --  A 50 year old woman bitten and mauled by a Florida Black Bear is recovering from serious injuries at Tampa General. It happened Friday night at the Wildlife Sanctuary in Dade City - a privately owned wildlife rehab facility. 10 News reporter Sarah Hagen tells us officials say the victim reached into the bear's cage.

"They enticed the bear over to the side," said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Baryl Martin. A four inch by four inch mesh cage was all that stood between owner Mary Arche and visitor and victim Virginia Riggs and a 400 pound Florida Black Bear.

File photo from the sanctuary's Facebook page

"The Florida black bear was here as a safe haven as a rescue for it ." 10 News learned the bear's name is Abner-it was donated to the facility, about year and half ago. "It's a permitted facility - last inspected September 9 2014 - no discrepancies for any cages. "

Martin said this facility isn't open to the public and Riggs was here for other business. It was when the owner stepped away for a minute that the attack happened-mauling Rigg's right arm. "I hope for Rigg's full recovery, it was a momentarily lapse in judgment."

Also on the property are 2 other black bears, a panther, a gator and several birds. "People need to respect the animal, any wild animal."

FWC says there are no charges at this point - they continue to interview the victim and witnesses and investigate. As for the bear that is caged on the property - officials say at this point, it will stay there.

(WTSP - Jan 23, 2015)