A routine mushroom foraging trip turned into a life-or-death struggle for an Alaska woman and her two dogs earlier this month. Lori Price was exploring the area near Skilak Lake on June 7 when a black bear suddenly charged and attacked her German short-haired pointer, Chaos.
Price told Alaska News Source that the attack was sudden and terrifying. “All of a sudden, I hear [a roar], and I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ As soon as I heard the bear … I registered what was going on,” she said. “My sudden reaction was, ‘I got to get to my dog now.’ I just full-blown start screaming, ‘Chaos, Chaos, Chaos’ … at the top of my lungs.”
Chaos suffered several deep gashes and what Price described as “extensive blood loss” from the bear’s attack. The dog was lucky to survive, according to Price. “We’re going through a lot of recovery with what’s happening. But, as far as broken bones, he is really lucky to be alive today,” she added.
Price managed to stop the attack by pulling out her Glock 43 9mm pistol and firing at the bear. “I pull my pistol, and I shot. Boom, down like a sack of potatoes goes the bear. And I was like, ‘Okay, good. Lights out.’ I shot the bear a second time. Bear goes down … He seems like lights out. We’re good. All of a sudden, the bear gets up again. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God. What?’ So, I tried to shoot it a third time,” she recounted.
The bear eventually went down for good, and Chaos was rushed to a local veterinary clinic for treatment. Price’s other dog, a chocolate Labrador, escaped the attack without any injuries.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the Alaskan wilderness. For more on how athletes handle pressure in high-stakes situations, check out our coverage of Greg Hardy's crushing knockout despite a 50-pound weight advantage.
Price’s quick thinking and steady aim likely saved her dog’s life. “I’m just glad I was able to protect him,” she said. “He’s my buddy.”
The story has resonated with many, drawing comparisons to other dramatic moments in sports. For instance, the recent Boomer Esiason controversy over Abdul Carter's social media attack on a Giants quarterback shows how quickly things can escalate.
As Chaos continues his recovery, Price is grateful for the support from the community. “It’s been a tough few weeks, but we’re getting through it,” she said.
