Another example of why you should always leash your dogs!

The Department of Environmental Conservation says a 55-year-old Troy man was walking his small dog on Tuesday without a leash when the dog ran off. Neither the dog nor his owner expected what they'd encounter next.

CBS Albany says the dog was attacked by a bear. The man frantically tried to step in and save the dog before being attacked himself. The man was able to hit the bear over the nose with a stick which caused the animal to run off. Both the man and his dog suffered bites, scratches and puncture wounds. The injuries to the man are not considered life threatening, according to CBS Albany. He was taken to a Utica hospital. The dog was taken to a nearby vet.

The DEC looked through the night for the bear but believes it has left the area and poses no continuing threat at this time.

More From WPDH-WPDA