Bear mauling sparks large rescue response near Anchorage trailhead

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - First responders launched a rescue operation Tuesday after a reported bear mauling on the Dome Trail in Anchorage, according to a Facebook post by the Anchorage Fire Department.

The bear attacked a woman hiking solo just before 2:30 p.m., according to Anchorage Fire Department spokesperson Megan Peters. The woman told responders that she believed it to be a brown bear.

Anchorage police say the woman was eventually found with the help of drones and an Alaska Department of Public Safety helicopter unit. The woman was airlifted to the hospital.

Officials say she is in stable condition with what appears to be non-life-threatening injuries. The bear reportedly fled the area after the attack.

Peters said it took about an hour to get rescuers out to the area where the attack happened.

Peters said nine units were still on scene as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.

AFD said multiple first responders were involved in the search and urged residents to stay away from the area and avoid driving through the area unless necessary.

“If you do not have to drive in the neighborhood, please don’t,” the department posted. “Please give any first responder vehicles the right of way!”

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