Woman punches bear, gets help from dog to survive attack

Associated Press ^ | Fri, Dec 14 2:20 PM | MARK SCOLFORO

[Redcitizen]

A woman survived a mauling by a bear by repeatedly punching the animal and crawling into a bush as her Chihuahua-mix distracted the attacker.

Melinda LeBarron has broken bones, cuts and bruises and multiple bites after the attack outside her home in rural Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening, her son said. She remained hospitalized in critical condition Friday.

Her dog — fittingly named Bear — was also bitten several times and has 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, who described her as a tough person. "She was punching the bear and everything. Her right hand's all swollen up from punching the bear."

[Redcitizen]

"She was punching the bear and everything. Her right hand's all swollen up from punching the bear."

Now that's what I call a bear knuckles brawl.

[dfwgator]

Bear Bryant got his nickname from wrestling a bear for money as a teenager.

[Redcitizen]

I didn’t know that.

[Fightin Whitey]

Sounds like trouble was a-bruin for that lady ‘n her pooch.

[KarlInOhio]

as her Chihuahua-mix distracted the attacker.

Was it a pit bull-Chihuahua mix, with an Elizabeth Warren level of Chihuahua?

[Redcitizen]

Main course and snack fight back.

[Redcitizen]

Twas a pit bull identifying as a Chihuahua.

[HonkyTonkMan]

She literally lived the line, "but you shoulda seen the bear!"

Brave woman.

[Fungi]

And then got fired for hitting an opposing team’s player out of frustration. Three yards and a cloud of dust ended there.

[dfwgator]

That was Woody Hayes.

[Dr. Sivana]

Was it a pit bull-Chihuahua mix, with an Elizabeth Warren level of Chihuahua?

We had a great rat terrier-Chihuahua mix (75% rat terrier), and she might have barked, but then she would have frozen and piddled on the spot. Her heart would be in it though.

[Fungi]

Yep, my mistake. I repent in dust and ashes.

[Boomer]

Some of those ChiChi dogs are badass and fearless. Must be channeling its inner Pit Bull.

[Redcitizen]

Yep. She fought the bear and survived. That’s tough.

[Dr. Sivana]

Bear Bryant is forever beloved. Here he is on the cover of one of the first editions of another failed Newseek magazine:

[dfwgator]

Bear looks happy there.

[Redcitizen]

Woman with dog vs bear ping.

Haven’t forgotten your story.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670661/posts

[Redcitizen]

Like this dog.

[gaijin]

Melinda is not the hottest looker, so I'm posting the photo of Bear, who is totally cute:

[Fightin Whitey]

#hertoo