Momo the heroine dog saved the day for some Canadian friends
The Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, was the scene last week for a very scary encounter with a bear. Kenzie Campbell was walking through the park with Momo, his girlfriend and another friend. They turned a corner of the Cascade Amphitheater Trail and were suddenly confronted with an enormous bear, some 15 feet away from where they were standing. They tried to back away, but the enormous creature gave chase with jaws barred, and pursued them down the trail. (See: The Cat Who Dialed 911.)
Mom rushed to the rescue
Without regard for her own safety, Momo leapt into action and distracted the bear, barking and growling until it finally receded back into the forest. Her courageous standoff saved the day and perhaps a few lives as well. Kenzie and his friends then notified park officials about what had transpired and took cover in a Parks Canada emergency staff truck. Kenzie praised Momo for her heroic efforts and began filming the bear from a position of safety in the truck. (See: Lulu The Pot-Bellied Pig.)
Kenzie was caretaker of Momo who belonged to a friend
Kenzie had offered to care for Momo while her owner, Samantha Emmons, was getting settled in her new home in the area. Although she was very concerned for everyone's safety when she heard about the incident, she was proud and not that surprised that Momo had pulled it off. She told CNN: "She's a pretty protective girl, so it doesn't surprise me. She is also the fastest dog at the dog park." (See: Sassy The Chihuahua.)
The Park Manager was surprised to hear of the attack
Bill Hunt, a resource conservation manager with Parks Canada, claims that the 61/2 year-old female bear known as "Bear #148," is "very accustomed to to people and she literally has hundreds of encounters with visitors to the park every summer." He believes that the usually docile bear was startled by the sudden appearance of the hikers, which is probably why she made a little charge. The dog too, probably added to the bear's anxiety. He and his team did investigate the incident and concluded that there was no risk to the public. (See: Tara The Cat Saves Boy from Dog Attack.)
Park manager makes recommendations to all hikers
There is no question that bears can be dangerous to humans and that visitors to the park should take certain precautions. Mr. Hunt recommends that all hikers travel in groups, carry bear spray make a lot of noise and keep all dogs on leashes or at home. (See; Swiss Alp Cat Guide.)
Momo is doing very well and appreciate the many head scratches and praise she is receiving from all her grateful human friends. According to Campbell, Momo seems completely unaffected by the misadventure and is enjoying her status as "a little queen who saved the day."
Good job, Momo.
See also: Bretagne
