Title: Woman Hospitalized After Confrontation with Black Bear in Maine
Subtitle: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife advises caution in bear-populated areas
Date: [Insert Date]
A 64-year-old woman from Porter, Maine found herself in a dangerous encounter with a black bear on Friday when she attempted to protect her dog from the aggressive animal. Lynn Kelly sustained injuries after bravely punching the bear in the nose, causing it to bite her in retaliation.
According to Mark Latti, spokesman for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW), the incident unfolded when Kelly was tending to her garden around noon. Her dog suddenly barked and darted into the woods, closely followed by the bear. Alarmed by her pet’s distress, Kelly rushed to investigate.
Displaying remarkable courage, Kelly confronted the bear head-on. As the bear stood up, she matched its height and delivered a powerful punch to its nose. In response, the bear bit her right hand, puncturing her wrist. Fortunately, it released her immediately and retreated back into the woods.
Kelly was quickly transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for treatment of her puncture wounds. Her condition is currently stable, and she is expected to make a full recovery.
This was not the first reported sighting of the bear in Porter. In the days leading up to the incident, it had been observed feasting on birdseed in neighboring yards, indicating its regular presence in the area. In light of this incident, IFW has set up two live-capture traps to apprehend the bear.
IFW has issued advisory guidelines for residents living in areas with high black bear populations. These measures include removing bird feeders, securely disposing of garbage, storing pet food indoors, and relocating barbecue grills away from immediate outdoor areas. Dog owners are also advised to use non-retractable leashes, illuminate yards before letting dogs out at night, and avoid getting between their pets and a bear.
Maine boasts one of the largest populations of black bears in the country, with an estimated count of at least 35,000 bears as of the 2018 census. IFW emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance from bears and avoiding any actions that may corner or provoke them.
As of Friday afternoon, the black bear involved in the incident has not been sighted again. The live-capture traps have been strategically placed in hopes of capturing the animal safely.
This unsettling encounter serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with wildlife interactions. Residents are urged to exercise caution and adhere to the guidelines set forth by IFW to minimize conflicts between humans and bears.
In other news: Portland seeks assistance from Governor Mills to accommodate asylum seekers at a college campus in Unity or consider deploying the National Guard. Two individuals have also been apprehended for allegedly burglarizing a Bowdoin home, coincidentally the same location of a recent quadruple homicide.
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