Man severely injured saving his wife from a polar bear attack in the Far North

A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn.

A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn.

A neighbour showed up soon after and shot the bear, which then retreated to the woods.

A spokesperson for the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service said the man is recovering from severe injuries to his arm and legs, but is expected to recover.

The attack took place in the early morning in the community, which is on the coast of Hudson Bay. Police were dispatched when they received reports of gunshots.

"Police were also made aware of a possible bear sighting in the same area," the release said.

"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."

It emerged that the couple left their home around 5 a.m. to find their dogs.