In 2014, Steve Krichbaum was attacked by a black bear in West Virginia. The Guardian later recorded how his dog Henry charged at the bear, distracting it and helping Steve survive.

West Virginia, United States

Story

Steve Krichbaum was being attacked by a black bear when Henry rushed in. The Guardian's later account records Steve seeing the white dog on the bear's back at the moment he thought he might die.

Henry distracted the bear and helped Steve survive. Both human and dog were badly injured, making the story one of risk rather than effortless heroism.

This archive records Henry because the event shows an animal entering danger for a person in a moment too fast for planning or training.

Sources

• The Guardian: The hero dogs who save lives