Bear Attacks Injure Two Dog Owners in Connecticut and Maine: Recent Incidents Highlight Safety Recommendations

Two separate incidents in Connecticut and Maine have left a 65-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman injured after bears were chased by their dogs, according to officials. In the first incident, Lynn Kelly was working in her garden when her dog ran into the woods and returned with a black bear chasing after it. Kelly confronted the bear and punched it in the nose, but was bitten on her right hand. She was taken to the hospital for treatment, while her dog was unharmed. The bear has not been seen since the incident, which officials described as a “provoked attack.” In the second incident, a bear was exploring bird feeders on a porch in Litchfield, Connecticut when a dog spotted it and chased it. The bear attacked the dog and the homeowner, a 65-year-old man, intervened and was injured. His injuries were not life-threatening, and both he and the dog received medical treatment. Officials are advising dog owners to walk their pets on non-retractable leashes in areas where bears are known to live, and to avoid getting between their dog and a bear. They also recommend not keeping bird feeders outside from late March through November, when bears are active, and taking precautions when grilling outside and storing food and trash.

What precautions are officials urging dog owners to take in areas with known bear activity?

Two Separate Incidents Leave Dog Owners Injured After Encounters with Bears

In a recent turn of events, two separate incidents in Connecticut and Maine have left a 65-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman injured after their dogs had encounters with bears. According to officials, cautionary measures need to be taken when living in areas where bears are known to reside.

The first incident took place in Maine when Lynn Kelly was tending to her garden and her dog unexpectedly dashed into the nearby woods. Moments later, to her shock, the dog reappeared with a black bear hot on its tail. Displaying immense bravery, Kelly confronted the bear head-on and even delivered a punch to its nose. However, the bear managed to bite her right hand in the process. Kelly was rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment, while her furry companion miraculously remained unharmed. Authorities labeled this incident a “provoked attack” and the bear has not been sighted since.

The second occurrence unfolded in Litchfield, Connecticut as a bear was observed exploring bird feeders on a porch. As fate would have it, a vigilant dog caught sight of the bear and quickly gave chase. In a moment of defense, the bear retaliated, attacking both the dog and the homeowner, a 65-year-old man. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the man were not life-threatening and both he and his loyal companion received the necessary medical attention.

Officials are now offering advice to dog owners in affected areas, urging them to take precautions. Walking their dogs on non-retractable leashes is highly recommended, particularly in areas with known bear activity. Additionally, it is advised to avoid putting oneself in between a dog and a bear to prevent any potential harm. Another measure is to refrain from keeping bird feeders outside between late March and November, as bears tend to be more active during this period. Furthermore, when grilling outside or storing food and trash, extra precautions should be taken to deter bear encounters.

While these incidents serve as a reminder of the potential risks when living near bear habitats, it is important for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both themselves and their beloved pets.