A hiker was injured during a grizzly bear (or brown bear) encounter on a trail above the Bear Valley neighborhood in south Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, July 18th, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Wildlife officials responded after receiving reports of the incident, while emergency crews from the Anchorage Police Department, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, and the Anchorage Fire Department assisted with the response. The injured adult hiker was transported from the Brewsters Drive area after suffering injuries during the encounter.
According to the department, the hiker was traveling on a narrow social trail with another person and three dogs when the group unexpectedly encountered the bear.
Dense vegetation likely contributed to surprise encounter
The incident occurred on a steep switchback trail surrounded by thick alder brush that created poor visibility. The grizzly bear reportedly emerged from the dense vegetation, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and then quickly left the area. Strong winds and poor weather conditions may have increased the likelihood that both the hikers and the bear surprised each other. Even if the group was making noise, the weather and heavy vegetation could have limited the bear’s ability to detect people before the encounter.
Later an Anchorage Police Department drone spotted a single grizzly bear on a nearby hillside. Wildlife officials noted that both grizzly bears and black bears are reported in the area every year because the trails border Chugach State Park. Officials also said at least one moose carcass has recently been reported nearby, creating the possibility that a bear could be guarding a cached food source.
As a precaution, wildlife staff are placing warning signs and flagging at nearby trailheads to alert hikers about recent bear activity.
Missing dog safely returned after false reports
Initial reports suggested one of the hikers’ off leash dogs had been attacked and killed during the encounter. Those reports were later proven false.
Another group of hikers found the dog uninjured after the encounter and safely returned it to its owners. Officials confirmed the animal was not harmed during the incident.
Officials urge hikers to prepare for bear encounters
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is reminding hikers that surprise encounters become more likely during the summer when trails are lined with tall grass and dense shrubs. The agency recommends traveling in groups whenever possible, making noise while hiking, carrying bear deterrent, keeping pets under control, and bringing a reliable way to communicate in case of an emergency.
Officials also emphasized that neighborhoods around Anchorage border large areas of wildlife habitat including Chugach State Park and Bicentennial Park. Bears can move through residential areas in search of food, making it important for residents to properly secure garbage, pet food, livestock feed, and other attractants.
Wildlife managers continue to monitor reports of bear activity near Bear Valley and encourage anyone who sees a grizzly bear or experiences a wildlife encounter to report it to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or Alaska Wildlife Troopers. In any emergency situation, authorities advise calling 911 immediately.