NEWPORT, Pa. (CBS) - A central Pennsylvania couple is lucky to be getting out of the hospital today, mere hours after a bear attacked them in their home.

Richard Moyer Jr. and his wife live in Newport, Pa., northwest of Harrisburg. According to Moyer’s father, Richard Sr., Moyer getting ready for work about 3AM when he heard his dog barking.

“He called for his dog to come in and was attacked by the bear,” Moyer Sr. told KYW Newsradio today.  “He went back inside the house with the bear behind him.”

The bear followed Moyer inside the home and attacked.   Moyer Sr. says his son was bitten on the back and when his wife Angela came to help, the bear attacked her, too, biting her on the leg.

They were being treated at an area hospital for their injuries.

Jerry Feaser of the Pennsylvania Game Commission says black bear attacks are rare.

“Pennsylvania black bears are much more timid and shy than their western cousins and would be more likely to run than confront a human,” he says.

Feaser speculates that the bear was likely female and protecting her cubs.

Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio 1060