82-year-old woman fends off bear by fighting it with bare hands

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An 82-year-old woman managed to scare off a bear that attacked her by knocking it back with her bare hands.

Rumiko Sasaki was handling weeds in her home’s backyard in Hiroshima, Japan on July 16 when the bear entered her garden.

Sasaki recalled that the black bear suddenly attacked her when she stood up and saw it, as per Hiroshima Television via Japan Today yesterday, July 20.

“It took aim at my face and came at me suddenly but it feels like I hit it and sent it flying back,” the elderly woman was quoted as saying.

After Sasaki pushed it away from her, the animal quickly got out of her home. Following the sudden fight with the bear, the senior citizen sustained scratches to her face.

The injuries later required stitches for her to recover, as per Sora News earlier today, July 21.

Her family also pointed out that this was the first time they spotted a bear in their home. However, 252 bears were reportedly sighted in Hiroshima between April and June.

Wildlife authorities have since advised those entering forests and mountains to wear noise-making apparatus such as bells. Despite the recent sightings, a local hunting association mentioned that this is the first attack on a person. Ryan Arcadio/JB

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