Laika puppy treated in Ust-Kut after family's encounter with bear

Veterinarians in Ust-Kut saved a ten-month-old East Siberian Laika with neck wounds. Its owner said the puppy distracted a bear while the family was gathering mushrooms in a forest.

The Irkutsk Region Veterinary Association reported the incident on October 14. The owners brought the injured puppy to a local veterinary clinic after the encounter. The account of the dog's actions comes from its owner.

Veterinarians cleaned multiple lacerations and stitched the extensive wounds. The puppy survived and remains under treatment. Local broadcaster NTS also reported that it was recovering.

According to the association, veterinarians have seen several dogs injured in bear encounters during October. Two other animals died, one at the scene and another in a clinic from severe injuries.

Encounters between bears and people have also had fatal consequences in Irkutsk Region. RIA Novosti reported seven cases in which people died after encountering bears in the region.