Woman protecting dog takes swing at bear, gets bitten on hand

A typical adult size Maine black bear (Courtesy photo)

PORTER, Maine - The Maine Warden Service is investigating an incident where a black bear bit a Porter women after she punched the bear.

At approximately 11:30 this morning 64-year-old Lynn Kelly of Porter was out working in her garden in her back yard when her dog started barking and took off into the woods. Kelly heard her dog continue to bark then yelp, and when she went to investigate, her dog came running out of the woods, being chased by a black bear.

Kelly confronted the bear head on, and when the bear stood up, she stood up as tall as she could, then punched the bear in the nose, whereupon the bear bit her in the right hand, puncturing her wrist. The bear immediate released her wrist, then ran back into the woods, leaving Kelly and her unharmed dog behind.

Kelly called 911, and was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway by ambulance, where she was treated for puncture wounds to her wrist.

The bear has not been seen since the provoked attack. The Department has set two live-capture culvert-style traps to try and capture the bear alive. The bear had been seen in previous days in nearby yards eating birdseed that had been left outside.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reminds people that black bears can be found throughout the state, and to:

• Remove potential wildlife attractants from your yard
• If bears have been seen in your area, do not wait to remove potential food sources from your yard
• Attractants can include bird feeders, bird seed on the ground, unsecured garbage, pet food and even barbecue grills.
• If you do see a bear, keep your distance, and do not corner or agitate the bear

If you are a dog owner and have seen a bear in your neighborhood, please

• Walk your dog on a non-retractable leash
• If you see a bear, turn around and leave
• Do not get in between your dog and a bear
• Turn any outside lights on before letting your dog outside at night