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Carpinteria Woman Attacked By 300-Pound Bear: "He Spared My Life"

CARPINTERIA (CBSLA.com) — A woman survived a bear attack in Santa Barbara County and is sharing her harrowing story with CBS2/KCAL9.

"Looking at him, I knew he could kill me in an instant. He was probably 300 pounds and six feet tall standing," according to Carpinteria resident Emily Miles.

Miles was on her daily walk with her dogs in an avocado grove when the black bear came bolting out at her.

She said the bear stood up and took swings at her.

The animal became more aggressive as she attempted to fight back.

"He sunk his teeth into my thigh. I was on my back, kicking with my feet, flailing and screaming at the top of my lungs," Miles said.

She made it to a friend's house and was transported to a hospital.

"He spared me. And I thank God he did," Miles said.

Officials with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife have set up traps to catch the bear and test it for rabies.

Miles said she hopes officials won't kill the bear if they catch him.

 

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