65-Year-Old Man and 64-Year-Old Woman Injured in Separate Bear Incidents
In two separate incidents in recent days, a 65-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman were both injured by bears that had been chased by their dogs, according to officials in Connecticut and Maine. These incidents serve as a reminder of the dangers that can arise when bears and dogs come into contact.
The first incident occurred on Friday when Lynn Kelly, a 64-year-old woman from Maine, was working in her garden. Suddenly, her dog started barking and ran into the nearby woods. Moments later, the dog emerged from the woods with a black bear in pursuit. Kelly bravely confronted the bear and punched it in the nose when it stood up. However, she was bitten on her right hand, puncturing her wrist. The bear quickly retreated back into the woods.
Kelly was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, while her dog remained unharmed. Authorities have described this incident as a “provoked attack” and have set two live-capture traps in an effort to locate the bear.
In a similar incident the following day, a bear was exploring some bird feeders on a porch in Litchfield, Connecticut. A dog spotted the bear and began chasing it, prompting the homeowner, a 65-year-old man, to intervene. Unfortunately, both the dog and the homeowner were injured in the ensuing bear attack. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening, and they were taken to a hospital and veterinary hospital, respectively, for treatment.
Once again, the bear disappeared into the nearby woods after the attack. Wildlife officials are urging caution in areas where bears are known to live. Dog owners are advised to keep their pets on non-retractable leashes, and it is important not to get between a dog and a bear. Additionally, officials recommend not keeping bird feeders outside from late March through November, when bears are most active.
As the holiday weekend approaches and people spend more time outdoors, wildlife officials are reminding the public to clean barbecues after use and store them inside a secure area. Unattended food and trash bags should be avoided, and garbage should be stored in airtight containers inside a garage or enclosed area.
These incidents highlight the need for awareness and caution when dealing with wildlife encounters. By taking necessary precautions, individuals can help prevent future incidents and ensure their safety when in bear territory.