A California couple was attacked by a young black bear outside their home in the Sierra Nevada after it became aggressive toward their dogs.

The woman was bitten and clawed when she tried to intervene, and the man was also injured while coming to her aid.

During the struggle, they fought back using a water bottle and a hatchet, eventually forcing the bear to retreat.

Both were treated at a hospital and are expected to recover, while their dogs sustained minor injuries, USA Today has reported.

Wildlife officials later located and euthanized the bear after determining it posed a public safety risk.