Partially Blind Dog Hailed as 'Bear Slayer' After Confronting New Mexico Bear
A half-blind, 12-year-old dog from New Mexico is being celebrated as a "bear slayer" after she bravely defended her family's property from a hungry ursine intruder. The dog, named Honey, sustained severe injuries during the confrontation but successfully protected dozens of chickens, two horses, and other dogs on the Martinez family's land in Cordova.
Violent Encounter Captured on Security Footage
According to owner Denise Martinez, security camera audio and animal tracks confirmed that Honey battled the bear in early March. The bear, believed to be fresh out of hibernation and searching for food, approached the property but was warded off by the courageous canine. "The bear just ripped off the skin of her neck from below the collar to right under her chin," Martinez described, noting Honey's previous partial blindness from a porcupine encounter.
Martinez's daughter, Leanna, discovered Honey in the driveway the next morning with nearly fatal wounds, including torn flesh, deep punctures, bruising, and significant swelling. "It was hard to look at – and it did not look like something Honey would be able to overcome," Martinez added during a telephone interview.
Emergency Treatment and Recovery
The Martinez family rushed Honey to the urgent care clinic operated by the non-profit Española Humane shelter. There, she underwent surgery and endured daily bandage changes while receiving a battery of medications. The shelter reported that Honey withstood her treatment with the same courage she showed during the bear confrontation, with devoted visits from Denise, Leanna, and son Darren.
"Honey didn't just survive. She stood between her family and danger, and chose them – over and over again, even when it could have cost her everything," the shelter wrote in a Facebook post. "And because of her family's love, a community who cares, and a little bit of badassery, this half-blind sassy senior is still here."
A Protective Companion and Community Hero
Despite her injuries, Honey has returned home and is resting among the horses, fellow dogs, and chickens whose eggs the Martinezes routinely share with colleagues and friends. Denise Martinez praised Honey's loyalty, stating, "She is our little savior – she's always been protective that way. She risked her life to save not just the coop – but her family – from that bear."
The shelter noted that Honey becomes terrified by vacuum cleaners, yet her bravery in defending her homestead earned her the "bear slayer" nickname from both the family and shelter staff. This story highlights the extreme loyalty dogs can show their owners, even in life-threatening situations.
