In Stafford, Vermont, a woman had been attacked by a bear on her property, but it was her small dog whose loud barking lured the bear away from his owner, likely having saved the woman’s life.
According to a news release from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the frightening incident occurred on August 20 when Susan Lee, 61, had been walking on the trail on her property accompanied by her two dogs – a Jack Russell terrier and labradoodle. Lee had called for her dogs to return to her side after she heard a “loud noise” and in that same moment realized a bear was charging towards her.
As the bear approached, Susan tripped over the stone wall and then felt a pain on her left leg; the bear had been on top of her and had bitten her. The Jack Russell began barking at the bear which distracted the bear from Susan, at which time she was able to get back on her feet. The bear retreated, and Lee and her dogs were able to return home.
Once home, Ms. Lee called 911, and with the help of her neighbor, went to the hospital where she was treated for a bite wound on her upper leg and multiple scratches between two and nine inches long on both her sides.
Sgt. Whipple proceeded directly to the scene where he was joined by Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Bear Biologist Jaclyn Comeau and Warden Isherwood to inspect the site where the attack occurred. They concluded that the bear was a female with cubs and that the attack was likely provoked when Ms. Lee and her dogs surprised the group. They also attempted to locate the bear but were unsuccessful.
New release
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Then please leave the bear alone, since she was protecting her cubs!