Story perspectives

Bear attack prompts samples after woman uses bear spray

8/16/2026

Summary

Runner Repels Bear

A woman was attacked by a brown bear while trail-running on Anchorage’s Wolverine Bowl trail near the Prospect Heights trailhead on August 14, 2026.
She deterred the bear with bear spray and then walked back to the trailhead.
Firefighters arrived at about 9:30 a.m., met her at the trailhead and offered a ride, which she declined.
Alaska Fish and Game biologists collected samples at the site but could not locate the bear.

Summary

Biologists Shoot Bears

State wildlife biologists shot a sow and three cubs on Aug. 7, 2026 after they entered a home seeking chickens.
The homeowner kept 19 chicks in a garage, lost 17, and will install an electrified coop in September.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers spokesperson Justin Freeman said no arrests were issued despite the Anchorage Assembly’s illegal feeding law passed this year.
Anchorage wildlife biologist Cory Stantorf called the euthanasia of the healthy bears “disturbing.”

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Runner Repels Bear

A woman was attacked by a brown bear while trail-running on Anchorage’s Wolverine Bowl trail near the Prospect Heights trailhead on August 14, 2026.
She deterred the bear with bear spray and then walked back to the trailhead.
Firefighters arrived at about 9:30 a.m., met her at the trailhead and offered a ride, which she declined.
Alaska Fish and Game biologists collected samples at the site but could not locate the bear.

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