Dog Injured In Surprise Bear Encounter In Torrington

TORRINGTON, CT — A dog was seriously injured in a surprise encounter with a bear near a trash dumpster in Torrington Wednesday morning.

William Flood, a spokesman for the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, said Environmental Conservation Police responded to the scene Wednesday around 11:15 a.m.

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According to Flood, a Torrington resident was taking trash to a dumpster with his leashed dog when the bear emerged from behind the dumpster, startling the owner.

The resident dropped the dog’s leash, and the dog and bear then fought before the bear finally left the area, Flood said.

The dog was injured during the encounter and was taken to an emergency veterinarian hospital for treatment. The dog as of Thursday morning was still receiving veterinary care.

The incident is still under investigation, and Flood said officials do not know which animal was the aggressor.

The dog’s owner, Richard Hubbard of Torrington, has launched a GoFundMe campaign, “Help Kobe Recover from Bear Attack,” to help pay for veterinary expenses.

As of Thursday morning, the campaign had raised $2,320 toward a goal of $4,500.

According to Hubbard, his dog Kobe is a beagle mix which he adopted from a shelter two years ago.

Hubbard said he was taking out the garbage when Kobe heard noises behind the dumpster.

“It turned out to be a bear,” Hubbard said, in the GoFundMe campaign. “I tried to get us back inside quickly, but Kobe’s leash slipped from my hand. He bravely ran and barked to distract the bear, trying to protect me. The bear chased him and ended up on top of him, leaving Kobe with severe lacerations and bleeding.”

Hubbard said his dog is on a ventilator and may need surgery.

“The next seven days will require intensive care,” he said. “The funds raised will help cover his medical expenses and give him the best chance at recovery. I want to thank anyone who is interested in joining Kobe’s journey. Dog lovers know what I’m going through, and I don’t want to see anything happen to Kobe—he’s part of my family. I know there are people out there with big hearts who understand this, and any help or support means the world to us.”

Visit the GoFundMe page HERE.

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