Couple in northern Ontario injured after bear enters home, attacks them

A couple in northern Ontario is recovering from injuries after being attacked by a bear that entered their home, provincial police said Wednesday.

The incident happened on Tuesday evening in Nipigon, Ont., located around 100 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. 

The bear walked into the home when the residents opened their back door to let their dog out, according to police.

Once inside the home, the bear proceeded to attack the residents and their dog. The couple made their way to a bedroom, barricaded themselves inside and called emergency services, police said.

When officers responding to the call made their way inside the home, the bear wasn’t the only animal they found in the basement. 

The family dog — described by the owners to police as a “mutt mix” weighing around 100 pounds — was at the entry of the basement, barking at the bear and keeping it contained downstairs, police spokesperson Kimberly Rodak said.

The couple was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and both are expected to be released on Wednesday, she said.

The dog was also injured in the attack, but it received stitches and is expected to make a full recovery, added Rodak.

The bear was killed following the attack “without further incident to ensure public safety,” police said. They said the use of lethal force was required because of the immediate threat to the public.

Home intrusions by bears are rare, though reports of bear sightings and encounters are on the rise this fall, the OPP said.

Residents are advised to call 911 if they are in immediate danger due to a bear. For non-emergency encounters, people are advised to call the toll-free Bear Wise reporting line set up by the province’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2025.