Emergency responders employ drones in a hunt for an Alaska hiker who became incapacitated following a bear attack along a well-traversed trail.
Woman Mauled by Grizzly Bear in Chugach Mountains
A woman was mauled by a grizzly bear on the Basher Trail in the Chugach Mountains near Anchorage on July 22 at approximately 2:30pm. The attack left the woman unable to walk, and she called 911 for help.
Multiple agencies, including Anchorage PD, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska State Troopers, responded to the incident. The woman was airlifted from the scene to the hospital, and her injuries are reportedly non-life threatening.
The hiker's identity has not been revealed. Officials are advising everyone in the vicinity to brush up on their bear safety and carry bear spray, despite the rarity of bear attacks in the Chugach mountains.
The woman's encounter with the bear highlights the importance of bear safety measures when hiking in grizzly bear country. Recommended safety measures include carrying bear spray, keeping it readily accessible, making noise to avoid surprising bears, and properly securing food to avoid attracting them.
When hiking, make noise—such as talking or throwing small objects—to alert bears to your presence so they can avoid you. If you encounter a grizzly bear, back away slowly while facing the bear but do not run or climb trees. If the bear approaches you aggressively or charges, use bear spray as the primary defense, deploying it when the bear is within about 20 to 30 feet to create a cloud of deterrent between you and the bear.
Playing dead may be advised in some grizzly attacks, but not with black bears, where you should try to escape or fight back; the exact response depends on the bear species and behavior. Bear-safe food storage is vital—use bear canisters or hang your food at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from tree trunks and branches, at a minimum of 100 feet away from your campsite or shelter to prevent bears from associating humans with food. Hiking in groups of three or more also reduces risk, as group noise and presence help deter bears.
In the event of a bear encounter, it is recommended to spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over when playing dead. If the attack persists, use whatever you have at hand to hit the bear in the face—a branch, rocks, one of your boots. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of bear attacks, but if the attack persists, fight back vigorously.
Remain as motionless as possible until the bear leaves the area when playing dead. Drone technology was used to locate the injured woman, which took around one hour. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has closed the area for searches for the bear.
To play dead, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. It is essential to know how to use bear spray when in grizzly country. Learn more about what to do if you meet a bear in our article.
While navigating the dangers of the Chugach Mountains, it's crucial to keep bear safety in mind during hikes, especially considering the recent mauling incident. Carry bear spray, make noise, and practice proper food storage to minimize encounters with these potentially dangerous animals.
