Woman attacked by brown bear
Hiker Survives Brown Bear Attack on Popular Alaska Trail
A woman hiking in Alaska’s scenic Chugach Mountains had a terrifying encounter on July 22 when she was attacked by a brown bear while walking along the well-known Basher Trail near Anchorage.
According to a statement from the Anchorage Fire Department, the woman, whose identity has not been released, managed to call 911 around 2:30 p.m. local time after the bear mauled her. Despite her injuries, she was able to stay on the phone and communicate with emergency responders, telling them she was unable to move and needed urgent help.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies—including the Anchorage Police Department, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska State Troopers—rushed to the scene to assist. The situation was complicated by the fact that the woman couldn’t walk and her exact location was initially unclear.
Christopher Barraza, a spokesperson for the Anchorage Police, told Anchorage News Daily that the woman remained in contact with authorities throughout the rescue effort. “She was on the phone with us the entire time,” he said. “She couldn’t walk, and we were having trouble finding her.” Eventually, a drone was deployed to pinpoint her location.
Once located, a helicopter from the Alaska Department of Public Safety airlifted the injured hiker from the trail and transported her to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, her injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to department spokesperson Austin McDaniel.
As for the bear, it fled the area after the attack and has not been found.
In response to the incident, the Anchorage Fire Department issued a warning on Facebook, urging hikers to avoid trails around the Stuckagain Heights area until further notice.
Bear Safety in Alaska
Alaska is home to three species of bears: black bears, brown bears (also known as grizzlies), and polar bears. Encounters with these powerful animals are not uncommon, especially in remote or forested areas. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers several guidelines to help people stay safe while exploring bear country.
Here are some key tips:
- Keep your distance: Never approach a bear, even if it seems calm or uninterested. Give it plenty of space.
- Make yourself look bigger: If you encounter a bear, try to appear as large and imposing as possible.
- Avoid surprising bears: Make noise as you hike—talk, sing, or clap your hands—to alert bears to your presence.
- Do not feed bears: Feeding wildlife is dangerous and illegal. It encourages bears to seek out humans for food.
- Never run: Bears can run faster than humans, and running may trigger their instinct to chase.
- React appropriately during an attack: Depending on the situation, playing dead or fighting back may be necessary. Experts recommend playing dead if a brown bear attacks defensively (e.g., protecting cubs), but fighting back if the attack seems predatory.
- Be cautious around cubs: If you see bear cubs, assume the mother is nearby and extremely protective. Do not approach or interact with them.
- Carry deterrents: Bear spray and firearms can be effective in emergencies, but they should be used only as a last resort. Prevention is always the best strategy.
The fire department also emphasized the importance of planning ahead before heading into the wilderness. They encouraged hikers to share their trip plans with friends or family and even suggested leaving a copy of the route under the windshield wiper of their vehicle. This information can be crucial in case of an emergency, helping rescuers locate someone more quickly.
A Reminder of Nature’s Power
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that come with exploring Alaska’s wild and beautiful landscapes. While hiking and outdoor adventures are a beloved part of life in the state, they also require preparation, awareness, and respect for the natural environment.
The woman’s ability to stay calm and communicate with emergency responders likely played a key role in her rescue. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies and the use of technology like drones and helicopters, she was safely evacuated and is now recovering.
As authorities continue to monitor the area and search for the bear, hikers are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Alaska’s wilderness is breathtaking, but it’s also home to powerful wildlife that demands caution and respect.
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