Stoke Woman Punches Bear

A 22-year-old Stoke woman said she has punched a black bear in the face to save her kebab from being carried off and possibly eaten.

Hanley resident Karen "Kaz" Cattles said she hit the bear on Wednesday night to save the kebab she had left on a bench while she lit up a cigarette. She said she discovered the bear crouched down, clutching the kebab in its paws and licking it. "I was freaking out. I was screaming at it. I ran up to it and punched it right in the snout and it let go and ran off."

Kaz Cattles

Cattles, a jobseeker who has never left Hanley in her life, said she is accustomed to bears and knows how to beat them. She says she also knew about this particular bear before Sunday's attack because she had seen it in a recent circus in town.

The kebab was not damaged in the attack but Kaz said she will take precautions with any kebabs she buys in future.

Black bears frequently roam the edges of Central Forest Park in Hanley. Bear encounters are on the rise this year, despite efforts by local residents to hunt them with guns.