Northern Wisconsin couple survives bear attack at home

May 23 (UPI) -- A northern Wisconsin couple was left with several injuries after a bear broke through a window in their home before the husband shot the animal dead, Taylor County Sheriff's Office authorities said.

The bear entered the home on Friday night and "immediately attacked" after the couple shouted from a window for it to leave, according to officials.

The couple, who live just west of Medford, Wisc., had spotted the bear eating out of a bird feeder outside their home before the animal invaded the property.

While fending off the adult female bear's attack, both adults -- whose unharmed children were sleeping at the time -- received multiple bites and other injuries despite the woman's attempts to protect them with a kitchen knife.

The husband was able to shoot and kill the bear, and the couple called law enforcement shortly after 11 p.m. Both adults were treated at an area hospital and released, authorities said.

Experts with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, who took the bear's body for testing, say the rarely aggressive black bear is normally fearful of humans, but may become agitated while protecting their cubs or food.

The couple reported that a cub accompanied the bear and ran off when the adult bear charged at their home.