2 JBER soldiers injured in bear attack during Arctic Valley exercise
Anchorage Daily News • • nation
Key Points:
- Two U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division soldiers were injured in a brown bear attack during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Arctic Valley area.
- The soldiers were carrying and used bear spray, which may have helped prevent more serious injuries, and are currently receiving medical care with their conditions undisclosed pending family notification.
- The attack appeared defensive, likely involving a bear recently emerged from its den, and the bear has not yet been located by wildlife officials.
- The base has closed the attack area to recreation, but authorities do not consider there to be an elevated risk of further bear encounters in that remote location.
- Alaska wildlife officials emphasized the importance of carrying deterrents like bear spray during outdoor activities due to increased bear activity in springtime.
