Law enforcement authorities are currently in pursuit of a bear that viciously attacked a trekker on a bustling trail in Anchorage, Alaska.
In the picturesque Chugach Mountains, which border Anchorage to the east, a woman was recently attacked by a brown bear while hiking on the popular Basher Trail. The incident occurred approximately 3.2 kilometers into the trail, in the Stuckagain Heights neighborhood.
The woman, who was unable to walk after the attack, called 911 at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Officials responded swiftly, using drones to try to locate the woman and a helicopter to transport her to a hospital. Fortunately, her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is now searching for the bear that attacked the woman. The bear ran off after the attack, and its direction was not determined.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared and alert when hiking in bear country. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:
1. Carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively, as it is one of the most reliable deterrents against bear attacks. 2. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, since bears are common in the area (around 65 brown bears and nearly 350 black bears live in the region). 3. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising a bear; bears tend to avoid humans if given advance warning. 4. If you encounter a bear at close range, do not run—instead, back away slowly while facing the bear without making direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a threat. 5. If attacked, use bear spray immediately, and if the bear makes contact, experts generally advise to play dead with brown bears by protecting the neck and torso. However, specifics can vary based on the bear's behavior. 6. Always hike with a partner or group when possible, as groups are noisier and less likely to be attacked. 7. Prepare beforehand: let others know your hiking plans, route, and expected return time to help responders locate you quickly if needed.
Staying safe in bear country requires a combination of common sense, preparation, and knowledge. By following these guidelines, hikers can reduce their risks and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chugach Mountains more safely.
The fire department has also advised hikers to temporarily avoid trails around the Stuckagain Heights area while the search for the attacking bear continues. As always, it is crucial to prioritize safety when enjoying the great outdoors.
[1] Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Bear Safety Tips: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewingbear.main [2] National Park Service, Bear Safety: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm [3] Anchorage Daily News, Brown bear attacks woman on Basher Trail in Chugach State Park: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/outdoors/2021/08/18/brown-bear-attacks-woman-on-basher-trail-in-chugach-state-park/ [4] Outdoor Alaska, Bear Safety: https://www.outdooralaska.com/outdoor-alaska-magazine/articles/bear-safety/
- While recuperating in the hospital, the woman might find comfort in exploring health-and-wellness practices to aid her recovery.
- Additionally, to merge outdoor-living with home-and-garden, she could develop a garden filled with native Alaska plants that attract less bears.
- After her recovery, she may consider taking up sports like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, which are popular activities in the Chugach Mountains, to improve her physical health and reducing her potential encounters with bears.
