64-Year-Old Woman Punches Bear in the Nose to Save Her Dog in Maine
A 64-year-old woman in Porter, Maine, bravely confronted a black bear and punched it in the nose after it chased her dog, according to officials from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Lynn Kelly was working in her garden on Friday morning when her dog started barking and ran into the woods. Concerned for her pet’s safety, Kelly went to investigate and found her dog being chased by the bear.
Without hesitation, Kelly stood up as tall as she could and confronted the bear head-on. When the bear stood up, she punched it in the nose. In the process, the animal bit her right hand and punctured her wrist before quickly releasing her and retreating back into the woods. Kelly immediately called 911 and was taken to Memorial Hospital in North Conway by ambulance. She received treatment for puncture wounds on her wrist.
The incident highlights the importance of being cautious and prepared when encountering wildlife. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife advises residents to remove potential attractants from their yards to prevent such encounters. The bear involved in the incident had been spotted in nearby yards eating bird seeds in the days leading up to the attack.
Since the confrontation, the bear has not been seen, and the wildlife department has set up two live-capture culvert-style traps in an attempt to capture the bear alive. Black bears can be found throughout the state, and residents are urged to follow certain rules to prevent attacks. These include keeping a safe distance from bears, not cornering or agitating them, and turning around and leaving if a bear is encountered. It is also recommended to walk dogs on non-retractable leashes and to turn on outside lights before letting pets outside at night.
Potential wildlife attractants that should be removed from yards include bird feeders, bird seeds on the ground, unsecured garbage, pet food, and barbecue grills. By taking these precautions, residents can help minimize the risk of bear encounters and ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
