(07/03/06) HARDYSTON ? Not many people look forward to going to work on Monday, but one Hardyston bear attack survivor was thrilled to perform his daily duties once again.

Groundskeeper George Petta was on the job at Crystal Springs Golf Course when he came face-to-face with a bear emerging from the woods Thursday. Petta says the bear moved in, scratched his arms and struck him in the face. According to Petta, the bear retreated into the woods about three minutes after the attack began.

Although bear sightings frequently take place in the area, golf club representatives say an attack is very rare. State game officers caught and killed the bear approximately 24 hours after the attack.