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California man bitten by bear after his dog chases cub

SIERRA MADRE, Calif. — A California man trying to protect his dog was slashed and bitten by a bear Monday, police said.

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According to Sierra Madre police, the attack occurred after the man's small dog chased a bear cub in the backyard of the man's home, KCBS reported.

When the man saw the cub's mother approach his dog, he apparently kicked the bear, KTLA reported. The mother bear retaliated by slashing the man on his calves and bit the back of his right knee, the television station reported.

The man, described as being in his 50s, was taken to an area hospital and is expected to recover, KTLA reported. The dog is also expected to survive.

The bear and cub were tranquilized and removed from the area by California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials, the television station reported. In a news release, Sierra Madre police said the bear and cub have been known to wander through the foothills near the city.