A woman hiking with a friend and three dogs near a state park in Alaska was attacked by a brown bear on Saturday, sustaining injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening. The Anchorage Police Department confirmed Sunday that the victim is expected to recover fully after the incident, which occurred in the late afternoon near the Bear Valley residential neighbourhood, adjacent to Chugach State Park in south Anchorage.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the hikers were using an unofficial, user-made trail that climbs a steep hillside in a zigzag pattern. The area was heavily overgrown with dense vegetation, creating poor visibility and increasing the risk of surprising wildlife. Officials stated that the bear emerged from dense alder thickets, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and then left the scene. One of the victim's dogs was off leash during the encounter and became separated from the group. Another group of hikers later found the uninjured dog and brought it back to safety, ultimately returning it to its home.
Wildlife officials noted that bears are known to cache and defend food sources at this time of year, and there were reports that at least one moose had recently been killed in the vicinity. High winds and inclement weather at the time of the encounter may have increased the chance that the bear was surprised by the hikers and their dogs, even if they were making noise. The department warned that many private and public trails throughout Anchorage and the surrounding area are overgrown at this time of year with tall grass and leafed-out shrubs, which can greatly increase the chances of surprise encounters with wildlife.
First responders from multiple agencies, including the Anchorage Fire Department, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and Alaska State Troopers, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, police officers hiked up the trail to locate the injured woman. Firefighters then carried her down the trail before transporting her to a local hospital. During the rescue, Anchorage Police Department officers deployed a drone and located a brown bear nearby. Officers continued monitoring the bear throughout the rescue operation, allowing first responders to safely treat and evacuate the injured hiker.
The attack highlights the risks faced by hikers in Alaska's wilderness, where encounters with large predators are not uncommon. Chugach State Park, one of the largest state parks in the United States, spans nearly half a million acres and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, black bears, moose, and wolves. Wildlife officials advise hikers to make noise while travelling, carry bear spray, keep dogs on a leash, and be especially cautious in areas with dense vegetation or near animal carcasses.
Brown bears, also known as grizzly bears, are powerful animals that can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. While attacks on humans are rare, they can occur when bears are surprised, defending food, or protecting their cubs. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game continues to investigate the incident and reminds the public to remain vigilant when recreating in bear country.