Mammoth Lakes couple fights off attacking black bear with hatchet

A California couple suffered “serious” injuries after being attacked by a black bear outside their home this week, according to authorities.

The Mammoth Lakes Police Department said the woman opened her door around 6 a.m. Monday in Mammoth Lakes, located about 230 miles southeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada, to find one of her dogs fighting a 70-pound black bear.

When the woman went out to intervene, the bear turned its attention to her and clawed and bit her. The man then went outside and confronted the bear aggressively. The woman managed to grab a water bottle and hit the bear, and the man grabbed an ax and hit the bear several times with its blunt end, severely wounding him.

Police said the couple suffered “serious” injuries but were able to take themselves to hospital.

SECURITY FOOTAGE SHOWS DOG’S DRAMATIC MATCH WITH A FULL-SIZE BEAR AT CALIFORNIA HOME

The dog and the other dog that went out when the woman first opened the door are expected to recover after minor injuries.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized the 17-month-old bear after determining it was a threat to public safety.

“Incidents like this are extremely rare in Mammoth Lakes,” Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Casabians said in a statement. he said.

SWEET TOOTH BEAR RAIDS SOUTH LAKE TAHOE ICE CREAM SHOP, LEFT STRAWBERRY TASTE

He added: “Bears almost always avoid humans and run away when encountered. This type of aggressive behavior is extremely unusual. We are grateful that the couple is expected to make a full recovery and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinary Hospital and Mammoth Hospital Staff.”

The harrowing incident occurred near Mammoth Lakes, about 230 miles southeast of Sacramento, California, in the Sierra Nevada. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images, File)

Bear sightings are common in the area, but attacks are rare, police said.

Police added that to reduce the risk of attack, people should never approach or feed bears, store garbage in bear-proof containers and not leave pet food or bird feeders outside.

Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Casabians emphasized that bear attacks are rare in the area. (Mammoth Lakes Police Department/Facebook, File)

Hikers and hikers should be noisy in bear area, especially at dusk and dawn, and dogs should be leashed and supervised.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

If a person encounters a bear, they should back away slowly and never run away.