Dog Stuck in Cave with Bear for 3 Days Gets Rescued

A Tennessee dog trapped in a cave with a 200 pound bear for three days has been happily reunited with his family thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers.

The hunting dog named Charlie slipped 40 feet down an “extremely narrow cave shaft” in Sevier County a few days ago and couldn’t get out. His dad called authorities and The Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department (WCVFD) responded to the call. WCVFD shared what happened next in a Facebook post.

“The rescue team arrived on scene…and hiked to the mouth of the cave. Firefighter Tori Downing and Captain Jon Lanier of the WCFD, descended into the cave to rescue the trapped hunting dog.”

It was at that point that Firefighter Downing discovered another occupant in the cave. “Things took a turn when Firefighter Downing rounded a corner and found a bear sleeping five feet below her and the trapped hunting dog farther in the cave system,” explained WCVFD. “The team exited the cave and trail cameras were set up to monitor the cave exit to signal when the bear left.”

That meant Charlie had to spend two more days “unwillingly” sharing the cave with “an approximately 2 year old, 200 pound bear,” the group said.

Thankfully, after 3 days the bear left and didn’t return allowing the rescuers to return and rescue Charlie. The firefighters fashioned a special harness for Charlie and pulled him up to safety and his awaiting family.

WCVFD said that Charlie was dehydrated and hungry “but in otherwise good condition.”