Vanessa Chaput, a mom from Yukon, Canada, was attacked by a grizzly bear while jogging with her dog. She was able to survive the terrifying encounter, attributing her will to live to her 2-year-old daughter. Chaput encountered three bears on a trail, and her dog Luna chased two of them away, leaving her alone with the aggressive male bear. The bear charged at her, attacking her and causing significant injuries. After a five-minute struggle, the bear suddenly let go and ran away, potentially due to Luna’s barking scaring it off. Chaput managed to call for help using her Apple Watch and was hospitalized for 10 days, receiving over 30 stitches and undergoing various treatments for her injuries.
Conservation officers responded to the incident, euthanizing three of the bears involved to ensure public safety. Chaput credits Luna’s bravery for saving her life and is grateful to be alive and reunited with her daughter after the attack. She revisited the site with her family to process the traumatic experience, expressing shock at her luck and gratitude for surviving. Yukon officials shared tips on bear encounters, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm during such situations. Chaput is not yet ready to return to jogging but is thankful for the support and care she received during her recovery.
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