Overview
- The soldiers from the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division were hurt during a land-navigation exercise in the Arctic Valley training area at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.
- Both soldiers used bear spray during the encounter and are receiving medical care, with their names withheld until families are notified.
- Army leaders opened an investigation and are working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to assess the incident and secure the training area.
- State wildlife experts said the behavior appears defensive after den emergence, and a regional supervisor said having bear spray may have saved the soldiers' lives.
- The base spans about 100 square miles in an area that supports large numbers of black and brown bears, and spring den emergence often raises the risk of human-bear run-ins.