Incident Details

In a shocking encounter, Kristen Savage and her dog faced a bear attack while on a routine walk outside her Sanford home. The bear, believed to be a mother with her cubs, charged at them, leaving Savage in a life-threatening situation.

Quick-Thinking Response

With instinct kicking in, Savage utilized a bag of cookies she had been given shortly before the incident. “I threw the bag at her, and she stopped for a minute, and she sniffed the cookies. As soon as she was distracted by the cookies, I ran!” Savage explained.

The cookies provided just enough time for her to escape and retreat to safety inside her home.

Encounter Emotions

Describing the harrowing moment, Savage recounted, “At one point, I thought, ‘We aren’t going to get out of this,’ because there is no one here to help me.” Her immediate concern was for her dog, whom she lifted during the encounter, attempting to keep him out of harm’s way.

Wildlife Expert Commentary

Wildlife officials note that bear encounters are becoming more frequent, particularly when mothers are protecting their young in the spring. “If I take my dog out, I come out with pots and pans,” Savage added, indicating the precautionary measures many residents have begun to adopt.

Community Awareness and Safety Guidelines

As this incident highlights the growing interaction between urban communities and wildlife, residents are urged to take preventative measures. Wildlife experts recommend that if you encounter a bear:

• Do not run.
• Make yourself appear larger.
• Back away slowly.

Further Considerations

Authorities have yet to determine whether the bear and her cubs remain in the area or if any relocation efforts will take place. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and management strategies to mitigate these types of encounters in the future.