Anchorage hiker mauled by bear located via drone, rescued
The Anchorage Daily News reported that the unidentified female victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was able to call for help after the attack in the Basher Trail area in the Chugach Mountains.
The Anchorage Police Department led the rescue effort with the help of other agencies. The Anchorage Fire Department, which stated via social media that the bear ran off after the attack, informed followers:
'Hikers should avoid all the trails around the Stuckagain Heights area for the time being. If you do not have to drive in the neighborhood, please don't. Many first responders are participating in this mission.'
Shortly afterward, an Anchorage Police Department spokesman told the Daily News: 'We just found the person. And they are being evacuated to the hospital right now.'
The victim, who was in contact with emergency crews during the search, was located via drone.
The police spokesman is quoted: 'She's not able to walk, and they were having trouble locating her. She called us, she was on the phone with us the entire time.'
Alaska Wildlife Troopers and other agencies also were involved in the rescue. Authorities planned to search for the bear after the rescue was complete.
Bear attacks in the Basher Trail area are rare because of all the human activity. But it is bear country and hikers should always be prepared for possible encounters.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Anchorage hiker mauled by brown bear on popular trail; warnings issued
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