Two soldiers from the U.S. Army sustained injuries during an encounter with a brown bear while training at a mountain range in Anchorage, according to a statement from the military on Friday.
This incident took place on Thursday as the soldiers were engaged in a land navigation training event in Arctic Valley, part of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s training complex.
Military representatives informed the Anchorage Daily News that the soldiers were receiving medical care as of Friday. A query directed to a base spokesperson had not been answered by the Associated Press by that time.
The conditions of the injured soldiers were kept private until their families were informed.
Officials noted that both soldiers utilized pepper spray in an attempt to fend off the bear.
Details surrounding the incident remain scarce as the investigation continues.
Lt. Col. Joe Nederhode, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, emphasized in an email to the Anchorage Daily News that the foremost priority remains the safety and well-being of their personnel.
Meanwhile, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is looking into what seemed to be a “defensive attack” by a bear that had recently emerged from its den.
The ministry indicated that recreational activities by personnel on the base are restricted in the vicinity of the incident.
Samples were collected by researchers for the purpose of accurately identifying the species and gender of the bears involved, the agency added.
It’s noteworthy that the base spans 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) within Anchorage, accommodating around 350 free-roaming black bears and 75 brown bears.
