Dogs chase away 150-pound bear attacking their owner in Oregon backyard, police say

A 150-pound bear snuck up on an Oregon woman and started to attack — but her dogs stepped in, police told news outlets.

The woman was in the backyard of her Medford home when a black bear suddenly attacked, police told KTVL.

The bear bit and scratched the woman, according to KTVL.

Before her injuries could become life-threatening, her dogs stepped in, KPTV reported. The dogs chased the bear away into a road, where it was hit by a car.

Police told KDRV the bear was likely injured, but it continued to flee.

The woman was taken to the hospital for injuries on her arms and legs, police told KTVL. The dogs were also hurt, but police did not disclose the dogs’ condition.

Medford is about 170 miles south of Eugene.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. Bears in most attacks are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

• Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.

• Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

• Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

• Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.

• Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

• Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.

• Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

• Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

• Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

• Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 10:48 AM with the headline "Dogs chase away 150-pound bear attacking their owner in Oregon backyard, police say."