Florida Man Saves Dog from Bear Attack, Suffers Injuries Near Orange City

Tejal Somvanshi

A Florida man encountered three bears while letting his dogs out for a bathroom break.

Photo Source: Yathin S Krishnappa (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The bears grabbed his Pomeranian mix Karen, forcing him to kick the bear to save his pet.

Photo Source: Biswarup Ganguly  (CC BY 3.0)

The bear dropped the dog, bit owner Blake Sprout in the stomach, and caught Karen again.

Photo Source: Gregory Smith (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sprout threw rocks at the bear until it released Karen from its mouth.

Photo Source: Aconcagua (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Karen needed stitches, while Sprout received rabies shots after the bear encounter.

Photo Source:  Dimmerswitch ( CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

The area near 14th Street, outside Orange City, frequently sees bear visits.

Photo Source: Central Avenue, Downtown Orange City, Iowa  (CC BY-SA 2.0 )

Despite having trash can locks, the Sprout family faced this bear encounter on December 20.

Photo Source: Gillfoto (CC BY-SA 4.0 )

FWC captured and relocated the bear family - a mother and three female cubs.

Photo Source: Chris Servey (CC BY 2.0)

The family now checks their surroundings before walking out with their dogs.

Photo Source: MangudaiIronbox (CC BY-SA 4.0)