73-year-old man says he punched 300 lb. bear to save his Chihuahua

MEADOW VISTA, Calif. -- Seventy-three-year-old Carl Moore says he was protecting his two dogs when he went after an intimidating intruder armed only with his fists. The ex-Marine says he punched a 300-pound bear in the face when it began to climb over a gate leading to his home.

Moore says his Chihuahua Lacey screamed in terror when the bear straddled the gate leading onto his Northern California deck. His 15-year-old lab Bailey could barely bark to sound an alarm.

But Moore, a former boxer, bar bouncer and self-described "brawler," sprung into action. His cursing startled the animal, but when it stopped after starting to turn away, Moore went in for the punch.

"Boom, I hit him good," Moore said, describing his encounter. "I ain't letting no bear eat my puppies, that ain't going to happen."

Fish and Wildlife officials say the bear, which scampered off after the unexpected blow, was probably after the chickens Moore keeps in his yard.