Alaska runner hospitalized after using bear spray to fight off brown bear on Alaska trail
Anchorage, Alaska – A lone runner was hospitalized after fending off a brown bear attack on the Wolverine Bowl trail at Prospect Heights this week. The woman, who was running alone, used her bear spray to keep the animal at bay before medical staff transported her to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred on a popular trail that runs through thick, dense summer foliage near Prospect Heights. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG), biologists were dispatched to the scene after the attack. They collected samples but did not see any bears in the area.
“We encourage anyone who sees a bear or other wild animal acting aggressively or unusually to report it immediately,” the ADFG said. “Surprise encounters are the most common trigger for defensive behavior in bears.”
The department issued a reminder that hikers in bear country should carry a deterrent—such as bear spray or a firearm—stay in groups, make noise to avoid startling wildlife, and keep pets on a leash. Warning signs have been posted at the Prospect Heights trailhead, and hikers are advised to stay off closed trails and choose routes with clear sightlines away from known attractants like salmon‑bearing streams.
“When a bear is stationary, move away slowly while keeping your eyes on it,” the ADFG advised. “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 it is within range.”
The ADFG also highlighted typical signs of a bear’s agitation: “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,” it noted.
The run comes less than a month after another woman was mauled by a bear in Anchorage. In July, the victim was walking with a friend and her three dogs in the Bear Valley residential neighborhood, adjacent to Chugach State Park. The bear approached from dense alders, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and left. The woman suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries and was expected to recover.
The ADFG reiterated that surprise encounters are often caused by poor visibility in overgrown areas and that hikers should choose trails that offer good visibility and avoid known attractants. The department’s warnings are a reminder that while bear encounters are rare, they can be dangerous—and that preparation and caution are essential for anyone venturing into Alaska’s wildlife‑rich landscapes.
