Two US Army soldiers were injured after encountering a brown bear in a mountainous training area in Anchorage, Alaska, according to the military. The incident occurred on Thursday while the soldiers were participating in a land navigation training event in Arctic Valley, part of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's training area. The specific injuries and current medical conditions of the two soldiers have not been disclosed, but a military official said they were receiving medical care as of Friday.
Both soldiers used pepper spray on the bear, the official confirmed. Lt Col Jo Nederhoed, a spokesperson for the US Army 11th Airborne Division, stated that the safety and wellbeing of personnel is a top priority. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is investigating what appears to have been a defensive attack by a bear that had recently emerged from a den, the department reported.
The area near where the incident occurred has been closed to recreational activity by base officials, according to the department. What exactly triggered the bear's defensive attack during the training event remains unclear, and it is not yet known if the bear has been located or identified. Samples were collected by investigators with the aim of positively identifying the species and gender of bear involved, the department added.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson encompasses 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) within the municipality of Anchorage, where up to 350 black bears and 75 brown bears roam freely. The base's size and bear population highlight the potential for wildlife encounters during military exercises. It is unknown what specific safety protocols or bear awareness training were in place for this exercise, and whether there will be any changes to training procedures or base access as a result of this incident has not been announced.
The investigation continues as authorities work to gather more details about the encounter.