Man severely injured protecting wife from polar bear attack [Video]

A man suffered severe injuries early Tuesday after being attacked by a polar bear in Canada, according to police.

“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,” said a statement posted to social media by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service.

The incident occurred in Fort Severn First Nation. The small, far-North Ontario community is near the Hudson Bay. 

The couple was out at 5 a.m. searching for their dogs when they encountered a bear in their driveway. The bear then lunged at the woman, according to the statement.

“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,” police said.

During the attack, a neighbor with a gun arrived at the scene to rescue the couple, and …