A runner was hospitalized in Alaska after fending off a brown bear attack on the Wolverine Bowl trail in Anchorage this week. The woman, who was running alone, was able to escape the encounter by deploying bear spray.
Biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game responded to the site of the attack and collected samples, but no bears were sighted. Warning signs have been posted at the Prospect Heights trailhead, and the department advised hikers to stay off closed trails, particularly those with dense foliage that can reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of surprise encounters.
< ]]>The department provided guidance for hikers in bear country, recommending carrying deterrents like bear spray or a firearm, traveling in groups, making noise to avoid surprising bears, remaining alert for signs of wildlife, refraining from approaching bears, and keeping pets leashed. Officials noted that surprising a bear, especially one with cubs or near a food source, can provoke a defensive reaction, which may include huffing, stomping, teeth popping, salivating, or charging.
In such encounters, the advice is to remain calm, stand ground, and ready deterrents. Running is not advised. If a bear is stationary, slowly moving away while maintaining eye contact is suggested. If the bear approaches or charges, standing still and speaking in a low, calm voice can help de-escalate the situation. Bear spray should be used only when the bear is within range.
This incident follows another bear attack in Anchorage less than a month prior. In late July, a woman was mauled while walking with a friend and three dogs in the Bear Valley residential neighborhood, adjacent to Chugach State Park. The bear emerged from dense vegetation, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and then left the scene. The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was expected to recover. Officials identified the location as an unofficial trail with poor visibility due to overgrown vegetation, which increased the risk of surprising wildlife.