Dog survives attack by 3 bears at Big Cypress Indian Reservation

Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists in Fort Lauderdale take on 'hero'

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Mary Jane, a 3-year-old American pit bull terrier, survived an attack by three bears in Big Cypress, according to veterinarians at the intensive care unit of the Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists, where she remained Saturday.

Mary Jane was walking outside Friday at the Big Cypress Indian Reservation when she took off running to protect the woman she was with from the threat of the bears, according to James Judge, a spokesman for LVS.

Mary Jane was first treated for deep puncture wounds that were covering most of her body at the Lakeside Animal Hospital in Plantation and then referred to LVS in Fort Lauderdale for further treatment. 

“While we consider Mary Jane to be lucky and think her prognosis is good, we are still cautious," said Ashley Villatoro, a veterinarian at LVS.  

The veterinarians were administering fluids, providing pain medication and antibiotics Saturday. Villatoro said she was very concerned about air in the chest cavity, which she believes is due to the wounds and trauma. 


About the Authors

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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