Brown bear attacks 9-year-old boy while hunting in Alaska, officials say
A 9-year-old boy came face-to-face with a brown bear while hunting in Alaska, officials said.
The boy and a man were attacked by the brown bear near Palmer on Tuesday, Sept. 20, Alaska State Troopers said in a news release.
Troopers and EMS officials rushed to the scene. They discovered the man and boy had been hurt, and the boy had serious injuries from the attack, officials said.
Both hunters were taken to a hospital.
Troopers investigating the incident determined the hunters came upon the brown bear, which attacked the child.
The man shot and killed the bear during the attack, officials said.
“Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff will be back in the area on Sept. 21 to continue their investigation,” officials said.
The attack is at least the third this month in Alaska.
On Sept. 6, a 33-year-old from Michigan was hunting north of Glennallen and was mauled by a bear. He used bear spray to deter the bear and was taken to a hospital.
“(The victim) and his hunting partners surprised a sow grizzly bear with three cubs,” troopers said in a news release.
Days earlier, a 40-year-old from Dillingham was attacked by a bear, making him immobile.
His hunting partner messaged for help using a satellite communications device, and he was taken to a hospital.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. Bears in most attacks are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published September 21, 2022 at 1:19 PM with the headline "Brown bear attacks 9-year-old boy while hunting in Alaska, officials say."