A resident of Alaska credits her handgun for saving her dog’s life after a black bear launched an attack during a mushroom-picking adventure on the Kenai Peninsula earlier this month.
On June 7, Lori Price was exploring near Skilak Lake with her two dogs, Chaos, a German short-haired pointer, and Willis, a chocolate Labrador, when their peaceful outing took a terrifying turn.
In an interview with Alaska News Source, Price recounted hearing a roar and instantly understanding that her dogs had encountered a bear.
“I heard the bear and immediately grasped the situation,” Price shared. “My instinctive response was to get to my dog as quickly as possible.”
Upon seeing Chaos under attack, Price promptly drew her Glock 43 9mm pistol and fired at the bear to protect her pet.
“I pull my pistol, and I shot. Boom! Down like a sack of potatoes goes the bear,” she recalled.
Price initially believed the danger had passed. But as she checked on Chaos, who was suffering from multiple bite wounds and significant blood loss, the bear got back up.
Price said she fired again before the animal rose once more.
“All of a sudden, the bear gets up again. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God. What?’” she recalled.
Price and her dogs then ran from the area while the bear headed off in the opposite direction. While returning to her vehicle, Price called 911, though she said poor cellphone reception made it difficult to stay connected with dispatchers.
After reaching her car, she flagged down a passing driver and told them she and her dog had been attacked.
Emergency responders arrived and helped care for Chaos before Price drove him to a veterinary clinic for treatment.
“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.”
Price credited veterinarian Dr. Patrick with helping save the dog’s life.
“Dr. Patrick called me from the veterinary clinic, and I owe him my dog’s life,” she said.
Chaos was released from the clinic later that day and is expected to make a full recovery. Price said the dog has regained his ability to walk and continues to heal from the attack.
“Obviously, we’re going through a lot of recovery, but he is really lucky to be alive,” she said.
Willis was not injured during the encounter.