Maine Woman Fights Off Bear Attack, Injuring Her Wrist in the Process

A Maine woman successfully defended her dog from a bear attack on Friday afternoon, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Lynn Kelly, 64, of Porter, Maine, was working in her garden when her dog started barking and ran into the woods. The dog then ran back out of the woods with a black bear chasing after it.

Kelly then confronted the bear and punched it in the nose after it stood up, officials said. The bear bit her right hand, puncturing her wrist. Despite the injury, Kelly was able to fight off the bear and it quickly fled back to the woods.

The incident is one of two recent bear attacks in the area. A 65-year-old man was also injured by a bear that had been chased by his dog in a separate incident.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is urging people to be aware of their surroundings and to take precautions when in bear country. They also advise people to carry bear spray and to make noise when outdoors to avoid startling bears.

The bear in Kelly’s incident has not been seen since the attack. Kelly is currently recovering from her injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.