Alaskan woman biffs bear to save pet dog
Having bears raid your garden for scraps of food is commonplace in some areas of North America, and it’s common sense to stay indoors when they’re snuffling about for the remnants of last night’s takeaway. However, one woman had an encounter with a black bear that she will never forget.
Brooke Collins, of Juneau, Alaska, had let Fudge, her dachshund, out for his evening constitutional at 7:30 PM, unaware that the furry bugger was in her garden.
As soon as Fudge darted out, she heard him barking and in obvious distress. However, that wasn’t enough to prepare her for what she found. The bear had hold of Fudge “like a salmon”, and was biting the back of his neck.
Acting on instinct, she marched up to the bear, gave it a sock in the chops and took back her dog. The 22-year-old’s boyfriend Regan came out to see what was causing the commotion, and rattled, the bear beat a retreat to the woods.
She said of her actions:
“It was a stupid thing but I couldn’t help it.
“I know you’re not supposed to do that but I didn’t want my dog to be killed.”
Luckily for Fudge, the scratches and bites he suffered were not enough to warrant a trip to the vet, but Miss Collins is keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t become infected.
Her boyfriend stated that he had seen five bears in the neighbourhood so far this year, and although they appear to be unafraid of humans, there have been no recent attacks.
Miss Collins added that she will be extra careful when letting her dogs out in future.
