8.Toby vs. Bear
Black bears often appear clownish, digging through garbage heaps and climbing trees. But they can be formidable combatants, especially when defending their cubs. On May 21, 2014, Chris Wacker learned this the hard way, when he took his father’s dog out to gather mushrooms in northern Minnesota.
Chris and Toby, a black lab, came upon two large bears with cubs. Toby sprang into action and was set upon by the female, whom Chris estimated at 135 kilograms (300 lb). He didn’t stand a chance, but while the dog was being savaged, Chris got a chance to escape, running back to his father’s home.
The pair expected they would never see Toby again, but 10 minutes later, the grievously wounded dog came limping home. He sported bite marks and gashes 15 centimeters (6 in) deep. John rushed Toby to the vet, and while the courageous dog clung on to life a few more days, he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Although Chris remains skeptical, John was sure that Toby’s heroism spared his son, claiming “This bear has become brazen. She’s aggressive. She would have killed Chris. Toby saved his life. I’m convinced of that.”
