Sarah's Bear Attack-Related Medical Expenses

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, our beloved sister--Sarah Dietl--was mauled by a black bear when she stepped outside the back door of the Winhall, Vermont home she shares with her partner, Bobby Montuoro, their Shih Tzu, Bodhi, and cats, Smokey and Stella. Domestic and international news outlets are sharing Sarah and Bobby’s story -- with varying degrees of accuracy.

Sarah and Bobby on a happier day.

The Attack

Sarah took Bodhi for a potty break around 10 p.m. Bobby paused the TV show they were watching so she wouldn’t miss any of it (a decision that later proved to be the difference between life and death). Sarah opened the back/mudroom door, and Bodhi darted out and away from the condo. Sarah took two steps down toward the walkway to see where Bodhi went, and caught a glimpse of him chasing a bear cub up a tree. Lunging at Sarah out of the darkness, the protective mama bear attacked Sarah—clearly a perceived threat to her cub. Sarah was thrown to the ground—her head and/or body likely hitting the air conditioning unit and building first--and was clawed at and bitten. Despite her effort to fight back, Sarah was no match for the angry mama bear.

Miraculously, Bobby heard Sarah’s screams; only possible because he paused the TV when Sarah stepped away just moments before. Bobby grabbed his Maglite flashlight and ran outside to Sarah. Terror, adrenaline, and fear for her life gave him the strength to grab the bear’s head and hit it with the flashlight. The impact momentarily stunned the bear, forcing her to release her grip on Sarah (held with her massive paws and mouth)--and allowing Bobby to quickly pull Sarah into the mudroom. Bobby slammed the heavy glass door closed, hitting the bear in the face as she charged him and Sarah in an attempt to continue the attack. Bobby then saw both the bear and Bodhi run away.

The Aftermath

This unimaginable event and improbable rescue set the stage for Winhall emergency services teams and the local game warden to secure the scene and transport Sarah to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (Bennington, VT) to receive treatment. Covered in blood from head to toe, Sarah was essentially unrecognizable—and the extent of her injuries unclear. Despite suffering both deep and superficial wounds over her entire body, Sarah “walked away” with no major organ damage and all limbs intact—her mangled, non-dominate left hand evidence of her desperate effort to protect her head during the attack. Sarah was released from the hospital after a long night in the emergency room.

The photos above show just a few of Sarah's injuries. We're withholding the more graphic shots out of respect for Sarah (and per GoFundMe guidelines).

The Search for Bodhi

Neither the game warden nor multiple Winhall police officers could locate Bodhi following the attack, despite their hours-long search (going well above and beyond). Bobby searched with Jayne and then Christine for hours. We all feared the worst, yet held out hope that brave little Bodhi found a place to hide and stay warm for the night—safe from harm and the elements. Bobby took a short rest and headed back out to look for Bodhi as the sun rose. This time, Bodhi came running when Bobby called for him. The sound of little paws running across a room never sounded sweeter.

The Bears

Despite the horror of the attack and Sarah's extensive injuries, she and Bobby remain concerned about the bears. They visited the area looking for food multiple times. Evidence includes photos Stratton Mountain Security captured of the cubs in the condo complex and a video Sarah and Bobby took about three weeks ago--when the bears climbed up 18 feet to reach a bird feeder on their deck.

Being desensitized to people isn’t safe for the bears, nor is it safe for local residents. As a result, Vermont Fish & Wildlife made the difficult decision to capture and humanely euthanize mama bear and relocate her cubs; the latter has already been trapped and moved to Kilham Bear Center in Lyme, New Hampshire. Sarah and Bobby are relieved that mama bear has evaded capture thus far. They hope she retreats to—and remains—in the forest for her own safety. They’ll be devastated if she’s captured, and—knowing Sarah and Bobby as we do—will feel responsible for mama bear's death.

The cubs are now safe in New Hampshire. Mama bear continues to evade capture.

An Emotional Rollercoaster

The wave of emotions felt over the past ten days extends from terror and shock to relief and happiness--and includes everything in between. We know very well that this story could have had a different ending. We have much to be grateful for--most importantly, that Sarah, Bobby, and Bodhi are alive. Sarah does have a very long road to recovery ahead of her. The physical wounds alone are tremendous; scars left by the emotional wounds will likely take much longer to heal—but they will heal.

Medical Expenses

Sarah’s health insurance only covers a portion of the countless medical expenses she'll incur throughout her recovery. A dear friend (and former boss) of Sarah’s suggested we set up this campaign to help Sarah manage related medical expenses--and to alleviate any worry she might have about seeking and receiving quality care promptly when necessary. Unused contributions will be donated to Kilham Bear Center.

Overwhelmed by Kindness

The Winhall and Stratton communities have embraced Sarah, as have family, friends, and strangers near and far. We're all overwhelmed by the dozens of people offering to help Sarah. Just knowing others care helps us navigate this improbable journey with our beloved baby sister. From prayers and positive vibes--to texts, calls, meals, rides, and offers of financial assistance, it’s hard to express the powerful impact everyone’s kindness and love is having on our family. For all the horrible things that happen in this world, there is so much good. We're blessed to experience it.

Thank you for your continued love, friendship, and support.

Be well.

Sarah's Sisters: Christine Desser and Jayne Mehner