Professional trail runner Klaire Rhodes recounted a harrowing encounter with a brown bear on the Wolverine Bowl Trail near Anchorage, Alaska, on Thursday morning. Rhodes, an athlete with The North Face, was running on the familiar trail when she encountered the predator. During the attack, she deployed bear spray and managed to escape, later making her way back to the trailhead independently.
Rhodes sustained a deep puncture wound to her left hip, along with claw and teeth marks across her body. She described the incident, which occurred on a trail she runs weekly, as "a nightmare come to life" but stated she felt fortunate to have survived with what she characterized as relatively minor injuries. She opted not to share the full details immediately, preferring to control the narrative rather than invite speculation.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game confirmed that a woman running alone was injured after encountering a brown bear on the Wolverine Bowl Trail on August 13. Officials stated that the runner used bear spray, then "self-rescued" to the trailhead and was transported to a local hospital. Wildlife biologists interviewed Rhodes and conducted a search of the area for the bear and other signs of activity, collecting samples from the scene, but were unable to locate the animal.
Despite the traumatic event, Rhodes expressed that it had not diminished her love for running in the Chugach trails, which are an integral part of her life and training. "Running in the Chugach is where I feel most at home," she wrote, acknowledging that it is also the home of wildlife and that such encounters carry inherent risks. She also noted the complex emotions that followed her survival, including feeling triggered by thoughts of running in the woods while simultaneously feeling antsy to return and grappling with gratitude and potential trauma.
The attack occurred less than two weeks before Rhodes was scheduled to compete in Europe, including the CCC in Chamonix, France. She expressed uncertainty about her ability to participate in the upcoming races due to her recovery. "I’m bummed to not be finishing out my training block in the way I wanted," she wrote, adding that it was strange to feel hopeful about racing after such a traumatic event.
Rhodes, who also works as a coach, signed with The North Face in 2024. She has a history of success in Alaska, winning the Mount Marathon Race for three consecutive years and recently finishing second in the Speedgoat 50K and winning The Big Alta 50K. Her recovery period has replaced intensive training, and she has been focusing on rest and processing the experience. "And yes, bear spray works," she affirmed.
Following the incident, officials posted warning signs near the Prospect Heights trailhead and advised visitors to avoid closed trails. The department cautioned that dense summer foliage can reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of surprising a bear. Recommendations for those entering bear country include traveling in groups, making noise, keeping pets leashed, and carrying bear spray that is easily accessible. Officials advise against running from a bear, instead recommending that individuals remain calm, stand their ground, and retreat slowly if the animal is stationary. They also emphasized the importance of using EPA-registered bear spray with a specific range and capsaicin content, practicing its use, and checking expiration dates to ensure proper function.