NAPLES, Fla. -- A man said he was letting his dog outside in Florida when a large bear attacked him. Andrew Meunier told news outlets that he let his dog out of his home about 11 p.m. Tuesday and spotted the 4-foot bear standing next to him when he stepped outside.

"I came outside and he was right there, and I tried to run but it wasn't fast enough," Meunier said, CBS Ft. Myers affiliate WINK reports

He said he struggled to get away, but managed to get back through his front door.

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"I'm just happy to be alive," he said. "It could've been a totally different story."

A 911 call revealed that Meunier suffered a minor facial laceration from the bear attack, which was the first in South Florida since 1970 and took place not far from a high school, WINK reported. Meunier sought treatment at a local hospital and received 41 stitches.

Neighbors said they've seen bears digging through trash, according to WINK. Florida Fish and Wildlife said they are looking to put more secure and stable trash bins in communities to stop animals from getting into them.

