Two people were hurt Wednesday after they encountered a brown bear on a trail in the Exit Glacier area near Seward, Alaska State Troopers said.
Troopers in an online statement said a hospital notified them just after 9 p.m. that two people in the emergency room had been attacked by a brown bear. The attack occurred about a quarter-mile up the trail.
Both people “had to fight off the bear,” troopers said. They suffered injuries described as not life-threatening. Local biologists and troopers are expected to assess the area at first light Thursday.
The National Park Service was also notified, and the trail was closed until further notice. Local biologists, Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers will assess the area at first light. Troopers recommended people avoid the area.
Additional information about the encounter was not immediately available.
The attack marks the latest in a series of bear encounters this season. Most recently, a jogger was mauled as she left her Kenai Peninsula home for a run in late August.
The trail is part of Kenai Fjords National Park. The National Park Service has closed the trail until further notice.
The park posts warnings to the public to practice bear safety measures like carrying bear spray, talking loudly, and hiking in groups. Dogs are prohibited on trails to avoid stressing wildlife.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
