Dog saves man's life from bear in North Carolina mountains
A Buncombe County man says he owes his life to his dog for saving him from a black bear that charged right at him near his home.
Bears are very common where Billy Green lives in Haw Creek. He said he's used to seeing bears and usually has no issues.
"I've never experienced, not like that, because I see them out here all the time, like almost daily basis they're out here," said Green.
But that changed around 7 a.m. on Wednesday when he took his dogs outside.
"As I usually do because they're out here all the time, I yelled ... trying to get the bear to run off but it kept walking forward," said Green.
This time was a different experience than normal as the bear continued to approach Green and his two dogs.
About that time, that bear came running, charged me and pinned me between my car and the house," said Green.
Green believes his puppy barking at the bear may have startled it. He wonders if there were cubs nearby, but it's what his other dog, Shayla, did that Green said saved his life.
"When the bear came at me the first time, it was about a foot away from me, she jumped, and when the bear jumped back it was trying to swipe at her, but she got the bear down the bank," said Green.
While it was a scary start to his morning, Green said it's a good reminder for everyone living in western North Carolina.
"I'm going to come down the steps more cautious," said Green. "I think I'm going to get some bear spray."
The state Wildlife Resources Commission has a helpline to report bear behavior, damage and injuries.
