(Fort Severn, ON) – The man who leapt onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled is recovering from serious injuries to his arm and legs, but is expected to recover.
Members of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service working out of the Fort Severn First Nation detachment were dispatched to a residential address in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 3 following reports of gunfire.
Police were also made aware of a possible bear sighting in the same area.
When police arrived on scene they located a deceased polar bear and learned an adult male had been transported to the community nursing station to have his injuries assessed and treated.
Following an investigation, police learned a couple – an adult male and adult female – had exited their home before 5 a.m. to find their dogs. While in the driveway of their home, a polar bear lunged at the woman.
The woman slipped to ground as her husband leapt onto the animal to prevent its attack. The bear then attacked the male, causing serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and legs.
During the attack, a neighbour arrived with a firearm and shot the bear several times. The bear retreated to a nearby wooded area where it died from its injuries.
Police continued to patrol the area to ensure no other bears were roaming the community.