Wildlife officials asked residents in a Kenai, Alaska neighborhood to remain on high alert following a bear attack early Tuesday morning.
Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring reports 36-year-old Ariean Fabrizio Colton was mauled by a bear during a predawn jog near her home in the coastal Alaskan city, southwest of Anchorage.
“She made it probably 50 yards from her house. The bear came out of another property, it looks like it attacked her and dragged her approximately 100 yards down the road onto this guy’s property.” –Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring
Alaska’s News Source reports a neighbor heard the commotion which he assumed were coming from a bear. The man went out inspect once the sun had risen approximately 30 minutes later.
“He heard the barking, wolfing sound of a bear, he’d been around bears before and he thought a bear might have got a dog and was doing something in the neighborhood. He didn’t really think much of it and then he heard it some more. In daylight, he walked out there and located a female in the woods on his property.” –Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring
The Colton was bleeding from substantial wounds to her face and scalp and was in shock but conscious and able to talk. The injured woman was transferred to an Anchorage hospital by helicopter for treatment. When authorities arrived on scene, the bear had was gone. Based on its tracks and other evidence authorities believe it was a grizzly bear. Wildlife Troopers, Fish and Game and Kenai Police conducted a search of the area for the bear but did not find it.
There was no sign the bear was protecting a food source. It is likely the woman took it by surprise. Troopers said initially that if located, the bear would be put down although it would be difficult to determine which bear was involved. It is also possible the bear had left the area.
Troopers and police will patrol the neighborhood for the next few days and residents are asked to stay vigilant.
“If you do get out in the woods, make sure you can hear your surroundings and what is going on and that can be as simple as putting in one AirPod and not two.” –Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring
Grizzly bears in the area are active at this time of year eating salmon and berries as they bulk up for winter and people need to be aware and prepared. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with the costs of Colton’s medical bills, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation. If you like to donate go here.
GoFundMe:
On Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025, Ariean Fabrizio Colton was attacked by a bear outside her home while going for a jog. She is stable, but has suffered severe injuries that will require extensive surgeries and a long hospital stay. The family lives 2.5 hours from the hospital and will need a lot of support as Ariean recovers.
The Colton family just moved to Alaska earlier this summer, and were enjoying their beautiful new home. Ariean is a loving wife, mother of three, and a nurse, known for her adventurous spirit and love of nature. She is extremely kind-hearted, strong, and resilient, and is always willing to help those in need.
The cost of medical bills, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation is going to be difficult for the family to manage. Ariean’s family is doing everything they can to help, but we are reaching out to our community to help offer additional support. If you cannot donate financially, please share this page to reach a broader audience.
We will try to post regular updates on Ariean’s progress. Please keep Ariean, her husband Tyler, and their three children in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work toward a full recovery. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
