Alaska runner hospitalized after using bear spray to fight off brown bear on trail

This week, a runner in Anchorage, Alaska, was hospitalized after surviving a bear attack. The incident occurred while the woman was alone on the Wolverine Bowl trail at Prospect Heights. She managed to escape the brown bear by deploying her bear spray, as reported by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Following the attack, she received medical treatment at a local hospital. Biologists visited the location to gather evidence, but no bears were spotted.

The department advises that any sightings of aggressive or unusual behavior in bears or other wildlife should be reported immediately.

In response to the incident, warning signs have been installed at the Prospect Heights trailhead. The department also recommends that hikers avoid closed trails.

“Thick, dense summer foliage can block sightlines, making surprise encounters more likely,” the department said. “Choose hiking routes with good visibility and away from known attractants, like salmon-bearing streams.”

When exploring bear habitats, it’s crucial to carry deterrents such as bear spray or a firearm, hike in groups, make noise to prevent startling a bear, remain vigilant for bear signs, avoid approaching bears, and keep pets leashed.

The department emphasized the importance of staying calm and standing your ground if a bear is encountered. “If you surprise a bear, especially one with cubs or on a food cache, it may react in a threatened or defensive manner,” they stated. “The bear may be agitated and may huff, stomp, make a popping sound with its teeth, salivate or lay its ears back against its head and charge.”

They advised remaining composed, preparing deterrents, staying in a group, and speaking calmly. Running should be avoided.

“If the bear is stationary, move away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear,” the department said.

“If the bear starts to move toward you or charges, stop and stand your ground. Let the bear know you are not a threat. Behaving calmly, moving slowly, and speaking in a low calm voice will help de-escalate the situation. If the bear continues to approach, use your deterrent when the bear is within range.”

Less than a month ago, another woman in Anchorage was attacked by a bear.

The July incident involved a woman walking with a friend and her three dogs in the Bear Valley residential neighborhood near Chugach State Park in south Anchorage when they encountered the bear.

Authorities noted that the hikers were on an unofficial, user-made trail that ascends a steep hillside in a zigzag pattern. The area was heavily overgrown, limiting visibility and heightening the chance of unexpected wildlife encounters, according to the department.

“The bear came out of the dense alders, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and left the scene,” the department added.

The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.