Naples Dog Attacked by Black Bear, Owner Seeks Vet Bill Funds

Savannah Hopkins' dog Juno was injured in an encounter with a Florida black bear, prompting a crowdfunding campaign.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A dog owner in the Naples, Florida area has started an online fundraiser to help cover veterinary bills after her pet, a dog named Juno, was attacked by a black bear in rural Collier County. The dog's owner, Savannah Hopkins, set up the GoFundMe page on February 12th to seek support for Juno's medical expenses following the unexpected encounter.

Why it matters

Black bear sightings and encounters have been on the rise in Florida in recent years as the bear population has grown, leading to more interactions between wildlife and residential areas. This incident highlights the potential dangers pets can face from wildlife, as well as the financial burden pet owners can face when their animals require emergency veterinary care.

The details

According to the fundraiser, Juno the dog was attacked by a Florida black bear in a rural area of Collier County near Naples. The dog sustained injuries that required veterinary treatment, prompting Savannah Hopkins to start the online crowdfunding campaign to help cover the associated medical bills.

  • The incident occurred on the night of February 12, 2026.
  • Savannah Hopkins set up the GoFundMe page on February 12, 2026 to seek donations for Juno's vet bills.

The players

Savannah Hopkins

The dog owner who started the GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her pet Juno's veterinary bills after the dog was attacked by a black bear.

Juno

The dog owned by Savannah Hopkins that was injured in an encounter with a Florida black bear.

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What they’re saying

“Juno is my beloved pet, and last night she went through something unimaginable,”

— Savannah Hopkins, Dog Owner (GoFundMe)

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for pet owners in Florida to be vigilant about wildlife encounters, especially in more rural or wooded areas, and to have a plan in place to cover unexpected veterinary costs if their pets are injured by wild animals.