Sometimes, when an adrenaline rush strikes, we do things we didn't know we were capable of. Hailey Morinico is only 17, but she can add "bear fighter" to her résumé — since after a bear outside threatened her four dogs, she did the impossible when it came to protecting them.
Bears can be a huge threat, especially if you're living in an area where they're likely to end up in your backyard. While majestic creatures, they can cause a lot of damage to people and property.
The video is from the family's outdoor security camera footage, and it's absolutely empowering to watch. After seeing her pups in jeopardy, Hailey literally shoved the bear away to distract him and free her animals. Even a wildlife expert wanted to give Hailey a pat on the back after connecting with her when the video went viral.
The video was uploaded to TikTok, where it spread like wildfire. It didn't click in with Hailey that a bear was outside at first. According to California News Times, she said she assumed it was another dog at first. "When I go to see what they're barking, I think, 'OK, weird-faced dogs'," she said. "The first thing I wanted to do when I went to the bear and saw it was to push it, push the bear, push the apex predator."
But of course, she also advised that it wasn't something people should copy at home. She's very lucky that her only injuries from the incident were a reported finger sprain and knee abrasion.
The expert she chatted with was none other than Jeff Corwin, who's a biologist and wildlife conservationist who's been on television. Jeff was truly amazed by Hailey's action, even telling her that she unleashed her "Hailey Hulk" out on the bear.
He stated that it was very likely that the bear in the video was trying to protect her own cubs from the dogs. "I think it's incredible how you reacted," he said, although he warned that confronting a bear like that is not advisable. Now for the good news — all of the cubs and dogs are safe and separated.
Watch the video to see Hailey in action.
