Pennsylvania Woman And Dog Survive Harrowing Bear Attack

In a harrowing encounter with a bear, Melinda LeBarron, a 51-year-old food prepper from rural Pennsylvania, managed to survive by fighting back and seeking refuge in a bush. Her loyal Chihuahua-mix, aptly named Bear, played a crucial role in distracting the bear during the attack.

Melinda sustained multiple injuries including broken bones, numerous bites, and cuts and bruises from the incident, which occurred outside her home on a Wednesday evening.  She was in critical condition in the hospital.

Her brave canine companion, Bear, also suffered injuries in the encounter. The dog was bitten multiple times, resulting in a broken sternum and separated ribs.

“I’ll just put it this way — she’s very, very lucky to be alive,” said her son, Trent LeBarron. He described his mother as a tough individual, adding, “She was punching the bear and everything. Her right hand’s all swollen up from punching the bear.”

The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. when Melinda stepped outside with Bear. When the dog started barking, Melinda looked around to identify the source of the disturbance.

“The next thing she knew, she was on the ground getting slammed around,” Trent LeBarron recounted.

The black bear then dragged Melinda approximately 80 yards through her yard, across a road, and into a thicket. Throughout this ordeal, Bear the dog courageously attempted to intervene, biting the black bear multiple times.

“As she said in her own words, the bear wouldn’t show her no mercy at all,” Trent LeBarron said. “It wouldn’t stop.”

In a desperate bid for survival, Melinda eventually played dead, causing the bear to shift its attention to the dog. This gave her the opportunity to crawl into a small bush. She then threw a stick to further distract the bear and managed to return home to call a relative for help.

Bear the dog also managed to return home and was found whimpering under a bed.

“She’s stable now,” Trent LeBarron said. “She’s doing good, she’s actually doing very good. She has a long ways to go and a lot of lot of surgeries coming up.”

Before she could speak, Melinda wrote on a pad to inquire about her dog’s condition.

“We asked her if Bear saved her life,” Trent LeBarron said. She nodded her head yes “so fast it was unreal.”

The attack took place in a rural area outside Muncy, Pennsylvania, about 165 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Wildlife officials are currently trying to track the bear, which they believe is a sow with cubs. The attack is thought to have occurred after the dog ran towards the bears.

Mike Levan, Melinda LeBarron’s neighbor and landlord, whose wife called 911, reported that a bear sow and four cubs had been spotted in the neighborhood throughout the summer.

Our Thoughts

This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the wild, even when it encroaches on our homes. Melinda LeBarron’s encounter with the bear is both a testament to her resilience and a cautionary tale about the importance of preparedness.

Her survival can be attributed to her quick thinking and courage. Despite the dire circumstances, she managed to play dead and use distraction tactics to escape the bear’s clutches. This highlights the importance of understanding animal behavior in survival situations.

Her dog, Bear, also played a crucial role in the incident. His actions underscore the potential of pets in survival scenarios, and remind us that, at times, our four-legged friends can be our most reliable allies.

However, it’s essential to note that Melinda’s encounter could have been avoided. The presence of the bear sow and cubs in the neighborhood had been reported throughout the summer. This is a clear call for heightened awareness and preventive measures in areas where wildlife is prevalent.

In conclusion, Melinda’s story is a vivid example of survival instinct, presence of mind, and the bond between humans and their pets. It is also a sobering reminder of the need for preparedness and proactive measures when living close to wildlife.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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