2 JBER Soldiers Injured in Bear Attack During Training Exercise
Military.com • • general
Key Points:
- Two soldiers from the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division 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 during the encounter and were receiving appropriate medical care, though their conditions have not been disclosed pending family notification.
- The attack is believed to be a defensive reaction from a bear recently emerged from its den; the bear has not yet been located, and the area has been closed to recreation as a precaution.
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game emphasized the increased risk of bear encounters in spring and urged carrying deterrents like bear spray when working or recreating outdoors.
- Authorities are investigating the incident, collecting evidence to confirm details about the bear, and requesting the public to report any aggressive wildlife behavior in Anchorage.
