A hiker was attacked by a brown bear while hiking on trails in South Anchorage on Saturday, according to a statement from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The woman was hiking with another person and three dogs, and wildlife officials say the group likely caught the bear by surprise.
A statement from ADFG said the encounter happened on a narrow trail above the Bear Valley neighborhood that has heavy vegetation and low visibility. The statement said the animal emerged from the thick brush, made contact with one of the hikers, then left the scene.
High winds and heavy rain may have increased the likelihood the bear was surprised by the hikers, even if they were making noise, the statement said.
The Anchorage Police and fire departments, along with Alaska State troopers and ADFG, responded at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday to the incident at a trail off of Kenai Terrace Road and Brewsters Drive. A police statement said fire department personnel carried the victim down the trail and transported her to a local hospital. Officials say her injuries are non-life-threatening.
Police deployed a drone during the rescue to monitor for bear activity, the police statement said. Footage shows a single large brown bear, wading through thick alders being battered by wind.
Read more Anchorage’s citified fishing spot, Ship Creek, reopens for silver salmon after king closure
Wildlife officials say they receive numerous reports of brown and black bears in the area each year, which borders Chugach State Park. At least one moose kill has been reported near the Hillside neighborhood, the statement said. The department is placing signs and flagging trailheads in the area warning people of recent bear activity.
Several bear encounters have been reported this summer. Earlier this month, a woman was mauled at her home in Kenai after opening the front door to a brown bear sow and two cubs.
A biker was attacked on the Dome Trail in Anchorage last month, and similarly, wildlife officials said the brown bear was likely startled by the victim, who received serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
When in nature, biologists generally recommend hiking in groups, making noise, carrying bear spray and keeping pets on a leash. Anyone who sees a brown bear can report encounters online, or by contacting their local ADFG office, or Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
Read more State begins early work on Susitna River bridge as West Su road project moves forward