Two dog owners in Connecticut and Maine were injured by bears that had been chased by their dogs in separate incidents, according to officials. In one incident, a 64-year-old woman confronted a bear that was chasing her dog in Maine. In the other incident, a 65-year-old homeowner intervened when a bear attacked his dog in Connecticut. Both individuals sustained injuries but are expected to recover. These incidents serve as a reminder of the precautions that should be taken when living in areas where bears are known to reside.
On Friday morning, Lynn Kelly, a 64-year-old woman, was tending to her garden when her dog suddenly 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, punching it in the nose as it stood up. However, she was bitten on her right hand, causing puncture wounds. The bear quickly retreated back into the woods. Kelly was taken to a hospital for treatment, while her dog remained unharmed. State officials described the incident as a “provoked attack” and have set up live-capture traps in an attempt to locate the bear.
In a separate incident on Saturday morning, a bear was spotted exploring bird feeders on a porch in Litchfield, Connecticut. A dog noticed the bear and chased after it, prompting the bear to attack the dog. The 65-year-old homeowner, whose identity has not been disclosed, intervened to protect his pet and was injured by the bear. Although the homeowner’s injuries were not life-threatening, he was taken to a hospital for treatment. The dog was also taken to a veterinary hospital. After the attack, the bear retreated into the nearby woods.
Living in areas where bears are known to inhabit requires caution, especially for dog owners. It is advised to walk dogs on non-retractable leashes to maintain control and prevent them from chasing after bears. Additionally, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recommends avoiding getting between a dog and a bear. To minimize encounters with bears, officials also advise against keeping bird feeders outside from late March through November, as bears are more active during this period. Furthermore, people should clean barbecues after use and store them inside a garage or shed. It is crucial to avoid leaving unattended food or trash bags outside, and garbage should be stored in secure, airtight containers within a garage or enclosed area.