A brown bear attack in Alaska left a woman injured Tuesday afternoon while she hiked along the basher Trail in the Chugach Mountains. Around 3 p.m., the woman called 911 and reported being mauled approximately two miles into the trail. Police officials confirmed.
After the bear fled the area, she told dispatchers she couldn’t walk and needed urgent assistance. Anchorage Police spokesperson Christopher Barraza said officials used drones to locate her exact position during an hour-long phone call.
She continued updating responders as they worked to reach her through the remote terrain. Alaska State Troopers dispatched a helicopter that successfully airlifted the woman off the trail and transported her to a nearby hospital.
Authorities said her injuries are serious but not considered life-threatening. According to Barraza after the mauling, the bear fled, and the woman was unable to determine which direction it went. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game promptly closed the area and began searching for the animal following the incident.
Authorities urged hikers to remain vigilant and take precautions when on local trails, especially during peak bear activity in the summer. Officials also warned people to avoid trails in the Stuckagain Heights area until further notice.
Emergency officials remain on standby while the bear is being tracked. This recent attack has reignited concern about human-wildlife encounters on popular trails near Anchorage, where hikers often venture during the warmer months.
