Hiker Attacked by Grizzly Bear in Anchorage Area within a Four-day Period Again
Title: Hiker Escapes Bear Attack in Anchorage's South Fork of Eagle River
In the wilderness of Anchorage, Alaska, a hiker had a close encounter with a brown bear on July 26, 2020. The incident occurred along the South Fork of Eagle River, a popular hiking destination known for its salmon streams.
The hiker, whose injuries were non-life-threatening, managed to hike out of the area and call for help after deploying bear spray. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of carrying bear spray when venturing into bear country.
When encountering a grizzly bear, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises several safety measures. Always carry bear spray in an easily accessible location, such as a hip, chest, or belt holster. Avoid running or making sudden movements, and instead, try to stay calm, make yourself look as large as possible, and speak in a low, slow voice.
Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprising bears. Do not hike with earbuds or headphones to stay alert. If you see a bear feeding, give it plenty of space—at least 100 meters—and do not attempt to sneak past or disturb it. Keep pets leashed and stay aware of your surroundings to reduce risk.
If necessary, wait or turn around to avoid close contact. Be vigilant for signs of bear presence, such as scat, and avoid lingering in those areas. If you encounter fresh scat, make noise to alert bears of your presence and consider retreating if unprepared to encounter a bear.
In the event of an attack, fighting back usually increases the intensity of bear attacks, but if the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand. If charged or approached by a grizzly bear, leave your backpack on and play dead. To play dead, lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck, and spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over.
It's worth noting that bear attacks in Anchorage are relatively rare. Officials from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have no plans to euthanize the bear, as it was a defensive attack. Four days prior to the July 26 attack, a 67-year-old hiker was attacked by a grizzly bear in the Chugach Mountains, but the specific details of that incident were not provided.
When heading out for a hike, ensure you have the best hiking boots for safety and comfort. Remember, the key to surviving an encounter with a bear is preparation, knowledge, and quick action.
[1] Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (2020). Bear Safety. [online] Available at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewingbear.main [Accessed 28 Jul. 2020].
[2] National Park Service. (2020). Bear Safety. [online] Available at: https://www.nps.gov/yode/learn/nature/bearsafety.htm [Accessed 28 Jul. 2020].
[3] Outdoor Alaska. (2020). How to Survive a Bear Attack. [online] Available at: https://www.outdooralaska.com/how-to-survive-a-bear-attack/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2020].
[4] Anchorage Daily News. (2020). Hiker attacked by bear in Anchorage's South Fork of Eagle River. [online] Available at: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/outdoors/2020/07/26/hiker-attacked-by-bear-in-anchorage-south-fork-of-eagle-river/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2020].
[5] Alaska Public Media. (2020). Hiker Attacked By Bear In Anchorage's South Fork of Eagle River. [online] Available at: https://www.alaskapublic.org/2020/07/26/hiker-attacked-by-bear-in-anchorage-south-fork-of-eagle-river/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2020].
[1] In the wilderness of Anchorage, Alaska, not just hikers but also sports enthusiasts can encounter various wildlife.
[2] Before heading out for a hike in bear country, it's crucial to follow safety measures recommended by authorities, similar to the strategies used in various sports to minimize risks.
