Alaska's dense bear population creates persistent hazards for military operations
Alaska's large bear population creates inherent hazards for military operations in the region.
Event / Disaster
US Army Alaska Bear Attack
Two soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division were injured in a defensive bear attack during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Arctic Valley training area near Anchorage, Alaska on April 17, 2026. The soldiers deployed bear spray during the encounter with a bear recently emerged from hibernation.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 19 Apr, 03:06 UTC
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What happened
Alaska hosts approximately 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reported that Alaska has approximately 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears. From 2000 to 2017, there were 68 people hospitalized following bear attacks in Alaska, with 10 fatalities resulting from eight separate attacks over that period. Brown bears were responsible for about 96% of attacks during this timeframe.
Two U.S. Army soldiers injured in brown bear attack during training exercise
Two soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division were injured on Thursday during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Arctic Valley training area in Anchorage, Alaska. The soldiers were attacked by a brown bear and were receiving appropriate medical care as of Friday morning. Their identities were being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Alaska wildlife officials determine bear attack was defensive after animal emerged from hibernation
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game investigated the bear attack and determined it appeared to be a defensive attack by a brown bear that had recently emerged from its den after winter hibernation. Both soldiers were carrying bear spray and deployed it during the encounter, which likely saved their lives according to Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Cyndi Wardlow. Investigators had not located the bear as of Friday.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson closed Arctic Valley training area following bear attack
Base officials closed the Arctic Valley training area to recreation following the bear attack as investigators worked with Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson staff and local wildlife authorities to assess the scene and reduce the risk of further encounters. Fish and Game staff collected evidence to confirm the bear's species and gender and to check for matches to existing DNA records from prior research or management activities.
Fatal bear attack at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson occurred in May 2022
Staff Sergeant Seth Michael Plant, 30, was killed in a bear attack west of the Anchorage Regional Landfill at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in May 2022. This incident demonstrated that fatal bear encounters have occurred at the base prior to the 2026 soldier attack.
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2 alternative perspectives
Two Army soldiers injured in defensive bear attack during Alaska training
Two soldiers injured in defensive bear attack; training area closed.