Vermont Woman Saved From Bear Attack by Her Dog
Dr. Javier RodriguezA Vermont woman survived a bear attack thanks to her dog's intervention, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness.

TL;DR
A 61-year-old Vermont woman is recovering after a bear attack while walking her dogs on her property in Strafford. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday, has been described by wildlife officials as extremely rare, being only the fourth recorded bear attack in the state's history.
The woman's quick thinking and the intervention of her Jack Russell terrier are credited with preventing more serious injuries. This event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of wildlife encounters, even in familiar surroundings..
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Highlights
- A Vermont woman was attacked by a bear while walking her dogs on her property.
- Her Jack Russell terrier intervened, distracting the bear and allowing her to escape.
- Bear attacks are extremely rare in Vermont, with only four recorded incidents.
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Top 5 Key Insights
• Dog's Heroic Intervention: The woman's Jack Russell terrier barked at the bear, diverting its attention and enabling her to retreat. This highlights the protective instincts and potential life-saving actions of domestic animals.
• Rare Occurrence: Bear attacks are uncommon in Vermont, making this incident particularly noteworthy. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has only recorded three previous bear attacks.
• Protective Mother Bear: Officials believe the bear was a mother with cubs and was likely provoked when the woman and her dogs inadvertently surprised them. This emphasizes the importance of caution during times when bears are known to be protective of their young.
• Non-Life-Threatening Injuries: The woman sustained a bite on her leg and several scratches but was treated at a local hospital and released. While the attack was frightening, the injuries were not life-threatening.
• Importance of Awareness: Even though bear attacks are rare, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions when in bear country. Staying alert and making noise can help avoid surprising a bear.
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Expert Insights
Jaclyn Comeau, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Bear Biologist: "Bear attacks are extremely rare in Vermont. However, at this time of year black bears are moving in family units and mothers will be protective of their cubs."
Game Warden Sgt. Jeffrey Whipple: "If I were to predict what would have happened if the dog wasn't there, the bear may have caused more damage to her."
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Wrap Up
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of respecting animal habitats. The woman's experience serves as a reminder to be vigilant and prepared when venturing into areas where wild animals may be present.
The quick actions of both the woman and her dog turned a potentially tragic situation into one of survival and resilience.
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Author
Dr. Javier Rodriguez - A medical doctor and public health specialist based in Latin America, focused on wellness and disease prevention. He provides reliable, evidence-based health information and practical wellness advice for Enlightnr.
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