A hiker in Alaska was bitten by a mother bear after his dog chased it and its two cubs, authorities said.
The man and his 13-month-old border collie were walking on the Kenai River Trail Sunday evening when they encountered the brown bears, according to Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
The pooch ran after the wild animals, causing the sow to charge at the hiker, troopers said.
The man said he jumped into the Kenai River after the mama bear bit him in the arm — and that the animal then followed him into the water and chomped on his shoulder.
The bear eventually retreated and the hiker was able to get back to his car to call for help.
He was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries, troopers said.
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge closed the trail after the incident pending further investigation.
It said that the hiker’s pup had initially remained on the loose in the area, “but recent community reports suggest that the dog was found and will be reunited with its owner.”
Authorities said the bear is still at large.
The incident comes after two campers were attacked by a bear in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge earlier this month.