LONDON, Ont. - If anyone could have the presence of mind to play dead when being attacked by a bear, it's Deb Freele, her relatives say.
"When everybody thinks a woman can't do something, she'll prove them wrong," said her son, William Freele, 24.
"I am really proud (of my mom) and happy."
While relatives are relieved the avid outdoorswoman managed to survive her frightening ordeal in Montana, they're not surprised Freele reacted the way she did.
"I'm extremely proud of Deb," said her sister, Beth. "I continue to marvel at her ability to have remained so calm and clear-headed during such a traumatic event. I don't think I would have survived it.
"In Deb's usual fashion, she's handling it so calmly . . . smiling and gracious."
In fact, Freele was updating her Facebook page after doing six hours of early-morning media interviews Thursday to let people know she was OK.
"Out of all the people I know, I think you are the only one I could ever imagine having the nerve and courage to do what you did to survive," wrote one friend.
Freele's daughter wrote, "I have the coolest mom ever!"
Another friend wrote: "You always have the best camping stories Deb! Have a speedy recovery and enjoy the rest of your trip (why would you cut it short?). Hardcore, truly hardcore."
Freele has two sons and two daughters who were raised camping.
"I'm just really happy to see she's OK and there are no really bad injuries," William Freele said.
"I'm just really glad she was able to think straight and then make the right decision. There's really nothing you can do when you're dealing with something that is three times you own size and strength."
On her Facebook page, Deb Freele wrote: "Thank you all for keeping me in your thoughts. I will be fine. More surgery tomorrow. Feeling very good considering. Feeling very lucky and blessed ... Love you all."
