Overview
- The soldiers were hurt during a land-navigation drill at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Thursday, April 16, and are now receiving medical care.
- Wildlife officials described a defensive attack by a bear that had just left a den after hibernation.
- Both soldiers carried and used bear spray, which a regional supervisor said may have saved their lives.
- Responders did not find the animal, and the remote training area is closed to recreation during the probe.
- Samples from the site are being tested at Anchorage’s Gene Conservation Laboratory to confirm the bear’s species and sex.