Two Soldiers Injured in Brown Bear Encounter During Training at Anchorage Base

Two U.S. Army soldiers suffered injuries after coming into contact with a brown bear during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Thursday, according to military officials.

The encounter occurred as the soldiers participated in a land navigation training activity in the mountainous Arctic Valley area of the base, which spans a vast area on the outskirts of Alaska's largest city. Both soldiers reportedly used pepper spray in an attempt to deter the bear during the incident.

As of Friday, the injured personnel were receiving medical treatment, but further information regarding their conditions had not yet been released, pending notification of their families. The names of the soldiers have not been disclosed.

Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed, spokesperson for the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division, stated that both the safety and well-being of military personnel remain a top priority. She indicated that the event is currently under investigation and confirmed that the Army is working with local wildlife authorities to safeguard service members operating in the area.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson covers about 100 square miles and is known for significant populations of black bears and brown bears, with an estimated 75 brown bears living within the surrounding municipality, underscoring the ongoing challenges of military training in Alaskan wilderness conditions.

The investigation into the incident continues, and no further details have been released as of Friday.