Bear attack leaves Pennsylvania woman with severe injuries

Lee Ann Galante, a 56-year-old woman from Pennsylvania, survived a terrifying bear attack in her backyard. On March 5, 2024, she was outside with her small dog when a mother bear jumped over a fence to protect her cubs. The bear knocked Galante down and bit into her head, causing severe injuries. During the attack, Galante described feeling her facial bones crushing and the bear's teeth sinking into her scalp. After struggling, she managed to get to her feet and escape inside her home, where she called 911. Medical responders rushed her to the hospital, where doctors were surprised she was still conscious. She underwent surgery to repair her wounds. Despite her injuries, Galante insisted on traveling to Italy just a month after the attack. She had planned a trip with 30 relatives to the town of Orsara, which means "Place of Bears." Although still recovering and on a special diet, she made the trip and enjoyed the experience, even though she could not eat many traditional Italian foods. Galante faced backlash after the bear was killed by animal control following the attack. She also remembered being present during a shooting incident at a Donald Trump rally in July 2024. Despite these traumatic events, Galante emphasized the importance of staying strong for her loved ones and finding humor in her situation. Friends and family celebrated her resilience with a special dinner on the anniversary of her bear attack.