Alaska woman punches black bear to save dog

According to the Juneau Empire, 22-year-old Juneau resident Brooke Collins didn't see any bears around when she let her dogs out Sunday evening, as usual, but almost immediately, she knew something was wrong. Her female dachshund, Fudge, shot out the door and soon started barking "the most horrible sound in the world." Collins went outside and saw a black bear -- one she suspects is a frequent, bold visitor to the area -- holding Fudge down and biting her neck to carry the dog off. Without thinking, Collins says, she ran over and punched the bear square in the face. The bear let go of Fudge and ambled off moments later. "It was a stupid thing but I couldn't help it," she said. "I know you're not supposed to do that but I didn't want my dog to be killed." Fudge and Collins both sustained minor scratches and bite marks, but none serious enough for medical attention. Read much more and see a photo of Fudge, here.