Hunter Injured in Brown Bear Attack on Kenai's Resurrection Pass Trail, Bear Fatally Shot

On August 19, an unfortunate incident occurred on the popular Resurrection Pass Trail in the Kenai Peninsula, where a hunter suffered serious injuries due to a brown bear attack. The Alaska State Troopers reported that the victim, a 32-year-old man, sustained severe injuries caused by the bear, as well as by a gunshot wound inflicted during attempts to deter the animal. The injured individual and his hunting companion, whose identities remain undisclosed, were in the vicinity of Abernathy Cabin when the attack took place. The bear was killed in the course of this encounter.

Hunter injured in brown bear

The attack was reported to have happened at approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday near Cooper Landing, close to Abernathy Cabin, as stated by the troopers. The injured hunter was transported via a trooper’s helicopter to an Anchorage hospital after receiving first aid on-site, while his hunting partner was relocated by an Alaska Rescue Coordination Center team. The troopers also notified the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Soldotna regarding the incident.

The troopers’ spokesman, Tim DeSpain, provided further insight into the ordeal, revealing that both hunters had fired shots at the bear during the encounter. The injured hunter, however, sustained a bullet wound to the leg, which compounded the severity of his condition. He further mentioned that the bear had not yet been retrieved due to the medical emergency and the remote location of the incident at the time of reporting.

This unfortunate incident underscores the potential dangers that individuals may encounter while exploring the wilderness, emphasizing the need for heightened caution and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities such as hunting.