Torrington dog recovering after fight with black bear outside home
A 2-year-old beagle mix is recovering after being seriously injured in a fight with a black bear outside his owner’s Torrington home.
Richard Hubbard said the incident happened outside while he was taking out the trash. He said he spotted a black bear near his dumpster, and his dog, Kobe, ran toward it before he could react. Hubbard said he is recovering from knee surgery and was unable to stop the dog in time.
“It was the most traumatic thing I’ve ever seen. To hear the dog make the cry, I thought he was a goner,” he said.
Hubbard said Kobe broke free after the commotion.
“The dog overreacted and with all the commotion the dog’s leash dropped because he’s a strong dog. He wants to get away,” he said.
Hubbard said Kobe was trying to protect him but suffered deep cuts from the bear’s bites and paw swipes.
He called 911 and was able to get Kobe to a veterinary hospital in Middletown, where the dog is now recovering.
“The surgery was a success. That was the biggest hurdle and I’m so grateful,” he said.
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wildlife officials said bear encounters in Torrington are not uncommon and are urging people to keep bears away from their homes by making sure dumpsters are locked and trash is stored properly.
Melissa Ruszcyk, a DEEP wildlife biologist, said unsecured garbage can attract bears.
“We want to be mindful of how we store our trash, our garbage. We know that bears are attracted to it,” she said.
DEEP also said making loud noises, including letting a dog bark, can help scare away a bear. However, officials said pet owners should try to keep their dogs close to prevent them from chasing a bear.
Ruszcyk said dogs can suffer severe injuries if they get too close.
“One swipe from a bear’s paws is enough to really inflict some serious injuries, if not kill a dog,” she said.
Hubbard said he tried to keep Kobe close but was limited because he is recovering from surgery. He said the community has helped with Kobe’s medical expenses, and he is grateful for the support.
He said he hopes other dog owners remain alert around bears.
“There’s so much that people need to be aware of,” he said.
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