Small Dog's Big Bark Fends Off Bear Attacking Vermont Owner

STRAFFORD, VT — A Vermont woman was attacked by a bear Saturday, but tragedy was averted when her dog stepped in and lured the wild animal away.

According to Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department officials, Susan Lee, 61, of Strafford, was taking a walk on her property with her two dogs when she heard a loud noise and realized a bear was charging at her.

As the bear moved closer, Lee told authorities she tripped on a stone wall. She felt pain in her upper left leg as she realized the bear was on top of her and had bitten her.

That's when her Jack Russell terrier came to her rescue.

According to officials, the terrier — a breed that usually weighs about 18 pounds when full grown — barked at the bear, prompting it to turn its attention from Lee to the pooch. That's all the time Lee needed to stand and run down the trail, her dog following closely and the bear nowhere in sight, officials said.

Lee was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. She sustained a bite wound to her upper left leg and multiple scratches on both her sides.

An investigation by wildlife officials revealed the bear was likely a female with cubs and the attack was likely provoked when Lee and her dogs surprised the sleuth. Officials attempted to locate the bear but were unsuccessful.

"Bear attacks are extremely rare in Vermont," Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Bear Biologist Jaclyn Comeau said in a news release, adding the department has recorded only three prior bear attacks in the state.

"However, at this time of year black bears are moving in family units and mothers will be protective of their cubs," Comeau said. "If confronted by a bear it is essential to remain calm and back away slowly, and to fight back immediately if attacked."