Chitina man in ‘good condition’ after being mauled by bear near Gulkana area

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The 61-year-old Chitina man that was hospitalized after being mauled by an adult brown bear near the Gulkana area is in good condition as of Wednesday afternoon, according to a spokesperson for Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

A trooper dispatch said Allen Dewitt Minish was flown to the Anchorage hospital for the serious injuries he sustained from the bear attack on Tuesday

The dispatch said Minish was alone conducting a land survey in the woods when he was attacked by the bear. Troopers noted that he was approximately a half-mile away from milepost 117 on Richardson Highway.

During his land survey, Minish unknowingly approached the brown bear. At that point, the bear charged and attacked him, causing puncture wounds and deep cuts to his head, according to the dispatch.

Troopers in Glennallen received notice of the bear mauling around 11:18 a.m. Following the call, troopers and fire rescue personnel found Minish and helped him to the trans-Alaska pipeline road, where he was then transported to a hospital.

Troopers said the bear fled the area after mauling Minish. The dispatch also noted that the bear seems to not have been harmed by the brief encounter.

This is a developing story. Check in for updates.

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Correction: Spelling for where Allen Dewitt Minish is from, Chitina, was corrected.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include additional information from Alaska State Troopers and Providence Alaska Medical Center.