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."

[Georgia Girl 2]

:-)