A woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries on July 18, 2026, after being attacked by a brown bear while hiking near Chugach State Park in Anchorage, Alaska. She was hiking with a friend and three dogs on an unofficial, overgrown trail when the encounter occurred.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stated that the dense vegetation along the user-made trail reduced visibility and increased the likelihood of surprising wildlife. The bear reportedly emerged from alder thickets and made brief contact with the hiker before leaving the scene.
One of the dogs, which was off-leash, became separated from the group but was later found uninjured by other hikers and returned safely. High winds and inclement weather conditions at the time may have contributed to the bear being surprised by the hikers and their dogs, according to wildlife officials.
First responders, including the Anchorage Fire Department and Alaska Wildlife Troopers, arrived at the location on a steep hillside. Anchorage Police Department officers utilized a drone to locate the injured woman and monitor the bear's movements throughout the rescue operation. Firefighters then carried the woman down the hillside to a local hospital.
Wildlife officials noted that bears are known to cache and defend food sources during this time of year, and there were recent reports of a moose kill in the vicinity. They also pointed out that many trails in the Anchorage area are overgrown with tall grass and shrubs, heightening the risk of surprise encounters with wildlife.