California couple fights off 70-pound black bear with hatchet and water bottle outside their home

When the woman went outside to try to intervene, the bear turned its attention to her, clawing and biting her. The man then came out and was aggressively confronted by the bear as well. The woman was able to grab a water bottle and hit the bear, and the man got a hatchet and hit the bear several times with the blunt end, critically injuring it.

The couple suffered "significant" injuries, but were able to take themselves to a hospital, police said.

The dog and another dog of theirs that came outside when the woman first opened the door are expected to recover from minor injuries suffered.

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 added: "Bears almost always avoid humans and will flee when confronted. This type of aggressive behavior is highly unusual. We are grateful that the couple are expected to make full recoveries and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital Staff."

Police added that to reduce risks of an attack, people should never approach or feed bears, they should secure garbage in bear-proof containers, and shouldn't leave pet food or bird feeders outside.

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