Kenai Peninsula, Alaska — What began as a peaceful day of mushroom foraging in Alaska quickly turned into a life-threatening encounter when a woman and her two dogs were attacked by a black bear near Skilak Lake.
Lori Price was exploring the area with her pets on June 7 when the unexpected encounter unfolded. Within moments, she found herself fighting to save both her own life and the lives of her dogs as a bear launched a violent attack.
Thanks to her quick reaction and determination, all three survived the frightening ordeal.
Bear Suddenly Attacked During Foraging Trip
Price said the attack happened without warning while she was searching for mushrooms with her dogs in the wilderness. She recalled hearing a loud roar before realizing 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 recalled. “As soon as I heard the bear … I registered what was going on.”
When she saw Chaos being mauled, instinct immediately took over.
“My sudden reaction was, ‘I got to get to my dog now,’” she said. “I just full-blown start screaming, ‘Chaos, Chaos, Chaos’ … at the top of my lungs.”
The terrifying scene unfolded within seconds as the bear focused its attention on the injured dog.
Woman Uses Handgun to Stop the Attack
Price was carrying a Glock 43 9mm pistol and decided to use it to defend herself and her pets. She fired at the bear, believing the animal had been incapacitated.
“I pull my pistol, and I shot. Boom, down like a sack of potatoes goes the bear,” she said. “And I was like, ‘Okay, good. Lights out.’”
However, the encounter was far from over. Price fired a second shot, but moments later, the bear unexpectedly got back up.
“All of a sudden, the bear gets up again. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God. What?’ So, I tried to shoot it a third time.”
After firing again, she gathered her dogs and fled the area while the bear moved off in the opposite direction.
Dog Suffers Serious Injuries but Survives
Although Price and her chocolate Labrador, Willis, escaped unharmed, Chaos suffered significant injuries during the attack. The dog sustained multiple bite wounds, scratches, and extensive blood loss.
“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.”
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After reaching safety, Price flagged down a passing driver and explained what had happened. Emergency responders and local authorities were subsequently called to the scene.
Chaos was transported to a veterinary clinic, where medical staff worked to stabilize his condition.
Recovery Underway After Terrifying Ordeal
Fortunately, veterinarians were able to save Chaos, and the dog is now recovering from his injuries. Price expressed gratitude toward the veterinary team that treated her pet.
“Dr. Patrick called me from the veterinary clinic, and I owe him my dog’s life,” she said.
While Chaos faces a recovery period, Price said the dog was fortunate to avoid even more severe injuries.
“We’re going through a lot of recovery with what’s happening. But, as far as broken bones, he is really lucky to be alive today.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable encounters that can occur in areas where wildlife is active, particularly during outdoor activities in remote locations.
For Price, the outcome could have been far worse. Instead, thanks to quick decisions, determination, and emergency veterinary care, both she and her dogs survived a frightening encounter that none of them will soon forget.
Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife while hiking, camping, or exploring outdoors? Share your experiences and thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
