Alaska woman shoots black bear after attack injures dog during foraging trip
Black bear attacked woman’s dog near Skilak Lake before she opened fire
An Alaska woman shot a black bear after it attacked one of her dogs while she was foraging for mushrooms near Skilak Lake on the Kenai Peninsula, according to local reports.
Lori Price was searching for mushrooms with her two dogs on June 7 when the encounter occurred. She told Alaska News Source that she heard a roar before realising a bear was attacking her German short-haired pointer, Chaos.
“All of a sudden, I hear [a roar], and I was like, ‘Oh my god,’” Price said. “As soon as I heard the bear … I registered what was going on.”
Price said she began shouting for her dog before drawing a Glock 43 9mm pistol and firing at the animal.
“I pull my pistol, and I shot. Boom, down like a sack of potatoes goes the bear,” she told the outlet.
Bear Got Back Up After Initial Shots
Price said she fired a second shot after the bear appeared to be down, but the animal later got back up.
“I shot the bear a second time. Bear goes down … He seems like lights out. We’re good,” she said. “All of a sudden, the bear gets up again.”
After attempting a third shot, Price fled the area with her dogs while the bear moved away in the opposite direction.
She later flagged down a passing motorist, and emergency responders were called to the scene.
Dog Treated for Bite Wounds and Blood Loss
Chaos suffered multiple bite wounds, scratches and significant blood loss during the attack.
“My heart broke,” Price said. “He had so many bite marks on him. It was like the bear thought he was like a little sardine.”
The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic, where he received treatment for his injuries.
“Dr. Patrick called me from the veterinary clinic, and I owe him my dog’s life,” Price said. “As far as broken bones, he is really lucky to be alive today.”
Price's second dog, a chocolate Labrador named Willis, was not injured.
Recovery Continues After Attack
Chaos has since returned home and continues recovering from his injuries, according to Alaska News Source.
Authorities responded after the attack was reported. PEOPLE said it contacted the Homer Police Department and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for comment but did not receive an immediate response.