William Orange encountered the bear around 9:30 Sunday night after working on his wife's car.
The lights were off when Orange entered his garage.
"I heard a growl and saw big teeth and something grabbed my shirt," says Orange who took a swing at the animal. "I hit it with my forearm and just ran."
The father of two was treated at a local hospital after the bear's claws left four long scratches on his chest and stomach. The bear's paw tore through the T-shirt he was wearing.
Orange was given a tetanus shot and is being treated with antibiotics. He is awaiting medical clearance to return to work.
"I guess it could have been a lot worse. It got me, but it's more of a graze," he says. "I'll be alright."
The state DEC has set up a trap in Orange's yard in case the bear comes back again. If it is caught, they will relocate the bear.
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