Runner Hospitalized After Bear Attack in Anchorage

A woman in Alaska was hospitalized after a bear attack on the Wolverine Bowl trail in Anchorage. While running alone, she used bear spray to defend herself against a brown bear, per the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. She received treatment at a local hospital.

A runner was hospitalized after fending off a bear in Alaska. (LightRocket via Getty Images, File)

Biologists visited the site but found no bears. The department advises reporting aggressive wildlife behavior. Warning signs have been posted at the Prospect Heights trailhead, urging hikers to avoid closed trails.

Dense summer foliage can obscure sightlines, increasing surprise encounters. The department recommends routes with good visibility and avoiding areas near salmon streams. In bear territory, carrying bear spray or a firearm, hiking in groups, making noise, and staying alert are critical. Avoid approaching bears and keep pets leashed.

If encountering a bear, especially with cubs or near food, it may react defensively. Signs of agitation include huffing, stomping, teeth popping, salivating, or laying back ears. In such cases, stay calm, hold your ground, and be ready to use deterrents. Do not run.

If the bear is still, move away slowly while maintaining eye contact. If it moves toward you or charges, stop and stand your ground. Signal you are not a threat by speaking in a calm voice and moving slowly. Use a deterrent if the bear approaches closely.

Recently, another woman was attacked by a bear in Anchorage’s Bear Valley residential neighborhood. While walking with a friend and three dogs, the bear emerged from dense alders, briefly contacting a hiker before leaving. The area’s dense vegetation posed a visibility risk, increasing wildlife encounters.

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