Hiker Encountering Hostile Grizzly is Latest in Sequence of Attacks in Anchorage Area, Spanning Only 4 Days
Hiker Attacked by Bear in Chugach State Park: What to Do in an Emergency
When hiking, running, or camping in Alaska's Chugach State Park, it is essential to be aware of the potential danger of encountering a bear. Here's some advice on how to stay safe and respond in an emergency, based on recent incidents and wildlife guidance.
Preventive safety measures:
- Travel in groups to reduce surprise encounters.
- Make noise on trails to alert bears to your presence.
- Avoid headphones or earbuds to maintain full awareness of surroundings.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it effectively.
- Keep food sealed and stored properly to avoid attracting bears.
- Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
If you encounter a bear at a distance:
- Do not run; this may trigger a chase response.
- Speak calmly and firmly to show you are human.
- Back away slowly without turning your back.
- Try to appear larger by raising your arms or holding a jacket above your head.
If a bear charges or approaches:
- Stand your ground but prepare to use bear spray at about 25 feet distance.
- If the bear makes contact or an attack is imminent, your response depends on the species and type of attack:
| Bear Species | Defensive Attack (e.g., surprise mother bear) | Predatory Attack (e.g., black bear stalking) | |---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Grizzly/Brown | Play dead: Lie flat on stomach or curled in fetal position, clasp your hands behind your neck, spread your legs to make rolling difficult. Stay still until bear leaves. | Fight back vigorously, aiming for the bear’s face. | | Black Bear | Try to escape or climb a tree (if possible). Fight back with all means, focusing on the bear’s face and muzzle, as predatory attacks are more common. | Fight back strongly using any object available. |
Specific to Chugach State Park and recent local incidents:
- A 67-year-old woman was mauled by a brown bear near Dome Trail in Chugach State Park in July 2025. She was dragged off the trail, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and was rescued by helicopter. This underscores the importance of avoiding surprise encounters and carrying bear spray.
- Authorities in Anchorage advise hikers to always be prepared for bear encounters, carry bear spray, maintain situational awareness, and avoid hiking alone.
Additional general advice:
- If you see cubs, be especially cautious to avoid provoking the mother bear.
- Report any aggressive bear sightings to park authorities immediately.
In sum, your best protection includes prevention through awareness and preparedness, and if attacked by a grizzly bear in Alaska’s Chugach State Park, playing dead is recommended to survive a defensive attack. For black bears, aggressive fighting back is advised.
This guidance is consistent with Alaska Department of Fish and Game and experienced hikers in the Anchorage area. For more information on what to do if you meet a bear, refer to our article.
It is worth noting that bear attacks in the Anchorage area are relatively rare. Officials from Alaska Department of Fish and Game do not plan to euthanize the bear because it was a defensive attack. The hiker sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his arm during the attack.
Remember, when hiking, running, or camping in bear country, it is recommended to carry bear spray and know how to use it. If charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it's best to leave your backpack on and play dead. If the attack persists, fight back vigorously with whatever you have at hand - a branch, rocks, one of your boots. The recommended defensive maneuver is a defensive measure to help keep you as safe as possible. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks.
[1] Source: Anchorage Daily News, 2025 [3] Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game [5] Source: Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department
- If one enjoys outdoor-living and activities such as hiking, running, or camping, then home-and-garden may not be the primary lifestyle focus, as these activities often take place in nature.
- For individuals who love spending time in nature and practicing sports like hiking, it is crucial to follow safety measures when entering bear country, such as carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it effectively, as highlighted in the prevention guidelines provided for Alaska's Chugach State Park.
