( CNN ) -- A Rutgers University student hiking in the woods of northern New Jersey was mauled to death Sunday by a 300-pound black bear in what authorities said was a highly unusual attack . Darsh Patel , 22 , a senior majoring in information technology and informatics , was killed in a heavily wooded area known as the Apshawa Preserve after becoming separated from a group of four friends with whom he was hiking , West Milford Township Police Chief Timothy Storbeck said in a statement . `` The group of five hikers encountered a black bear in the woods that began to follow them , they became frightened and attempted to flee the area , '' the statement said . `` During the confusion , the group became separated as they ran in different directions . '' Four of the young men later found one another and contacted police . Patel 's body was later discovered in the woods , with the bear still about 30 to 40 yards away . Bear attacks , kills oil sands worker in Canada . `` Evidence at the scene indicated that the victim had been attacked by a bear , '' said the statement , adding that the bear was `` euthanized '' at the scene . Black bears , which are common in New Jersey , have been seen in all of the state 's 21 counties . But encounters with human as well as attacks are unusual , said Lawrence Hajna , a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection . `` It 's an unfortunate and tragic accident , '' Hajna said . `` It 's a rare situation . '' The 4-year-old male bear , which was n't tagged , was being examined to determine why it went after the hikers . Hajna advised people who encounter bears to remain calm and do not run . Make sure the bear has an escape route . Avoid direct eye contact , back up slowly and speak with a low but assertive voice . `` It 's easier said than done , '' he said . Bear attacks jogger at Alaska Air Force base . The chancellor of Rutgers-New Brunswick , Richard Edwards , in a statement expressed his sympathy for the family of Patel and another Rutgers student who died over the weekend . Caitlyn Kovacs , 19 , died at a New Jersey hospital after appearing to go into distress during a gathering at the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house , according to CNN affiliate WPIX . Authorities were awaiting the result of toxicology tests , WPIX reported . In a statement , Doug Lanpher , executive director of Delta Kappa Epsilon , International , said : `` We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Caitlyn Kovacs . We also wish to extend our sympathies to the students of Rutgers University as they endure this time of grief and misfortune . As the investigation of the incident is ongoing , Delta Kappa Epsilon is fully cooperating with local and county authorities . '' Indian woman , armed only with farm tool , fights off leopard .
Darsh Patel , 22 , a Rutgers University senior , died when a 300-pound bear mauled him . Score: 6 Patel became separated from a group of four friends with whom he was hiking .