Talk about a brave dog. A wild video from Passaic County shows a black Labrador-mix dog valiantly chasing away a black bear that wandered into a person’s backyard.

Alan Tlusty of Hewitt says that his dog Riley is as brave as they come – but also a total sweetheart.

“He loves to chase any animal that comes in the yard,” he says. “He’s fearless. He really is fearless.”

Tlusty says that Riley often notices bears before well before he sees them. And this is what seems to have happened Tuesday night.

Video from neighbor Mark Stinziano’s backyard shows a black bear eating from a low-hanging bird feeder. The bear seems pretty comfortable enjoying its snack, but then seems to sense something is amiss.

A short time later Riley is seen springing into the backyard and barrels into the bear, nearly knocking it over. As the bear takes off, Riley takes another run at it and gives chase.

"I think he's protective. This is kind of his yard too. When the kids are out, we let him come out,” Stinziano says. "That dog is awesome. He's part of the family."

Stinziano says that he is grateful that Riley was there to protect his family, posting on Facebook that he owes Riley a steak dinner.

Riley was not hurt in the encounter.