Bear spray saves Alaska runner from brown bear attack on trail

A runner was hospitalized in Alaska after fending off a bear attack in Anchorage this week.

The woman, who was running by herself at Prospect Heights’ Wolverine Bowl trail, was able to get away from the brown bear by using her bear spray, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

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Biologists went to the site of the attack and collected samples but no bears were seen.

The department said anyone who sees a bear or another wild animal acting aggressively or unusually should report it.

Warning signs have been posted at the Prospect Heights trailhead, the departmet said, adding that hikers should stay off closed trails.

“Thick, dense summer foliage can block sightlines, making surprise encounters more likely,” the department said. “Choose hiking routes with good visibility and away from known attractants, like salmon-bearing streams.”

When hiking in bear country, people should carry a deterrent such as bear spray or a firearm, stay in groups, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, stay alert for signs of bears, don’t approach bears and keep pets on a leash.

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“If you surprise a bear, especially one with cubs or on a food cache, it may react in a threatened or defensive manner,” the department said. “The bear may be agitated and may huff, stomp, make a popping sound with its teeth, salivate or lay its ears back against its head and charge.”

They urged staying calm, standing your ground, readying deterrent, staying in a group and talking calmly. Never run.

“If the bear is stationary, move away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear,” the department said. “If the bear starts to move toward you or charges, stop and stand your ground. Let the bear know you are not a threat. Behaving calmly, moving slowly, and speaking in a low calm voice will help de-escalate the situation. If the bear continues to approach, use your deterrent when the bear is within range.”

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The attack comes less than a month after another woman was mauled by a bear in Anchorage.

The July victim was walking with a friend and her three dogs in the Bear Valley residential neighborhood, adjacent to Chugach State Park in south Anchorage, when the bear approached.

Officials said the hikers were on an unofficial, user-made trail that climbs a steep hillside in a zigzag pattern. The area was heavily overgrown with dense vegetation, which created poor visibility and increased the risk of surprising wildlife, the department said.

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“The bear came out of the dense alders, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and left the scene,” the department added.

The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was expected to recover.