A man in rural Ontario bravely defended his wife from a surprise polar bear attack early Tuesday morning.

The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service reported that the couple left their home around 5 a.m. when a polar bear unexpectedly charged the woman in their driveway.

Quick-thinking, the husband sprang into action, shielding his wife from the predator.

Police stated that as the wife fell, her husband bravely jumped onto the bear to stop the attack. The bear then turned its aggression towards the man, inflicting serious but not life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs.

A neighbor intervened, fatally shooting the bear after it attacked the man. The bear retreated into the woods after being shot.

The injured husband received treatment at a local nursing station for his wounds.

Authorities confirmed ongoing patrols to ensure community safety.