Trees and mountains are seen from Hidden Creek Trail near Cooper Landing, Alaska, on July 8, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Trees and mountains are seen from Hidden Creek Trail near Cooper Landing, Alaska, on July 8, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

72-year-old man hospitalized after hiking trail bear attack

The man had accidentally gotten between a sow brown bear and her cub, which led the mother to attack, troopers said

A 72-year-old man was attacked by a bear on Thursday on Hidden Creek Trail near Skilak Lake.

According to a dispatch by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, they responded around noon to a report of the attack. They said that the man had accidentally gotten between a sow brown bear and her cub, which led the mother to attack. A second person who was with the man was unharmed.

The man was found and flown to a local hospital with “what are believed to be non-threatening injuries,” the dispatch said. He is reported to be in stable condition. Troopers said they worked to rescue the man with Central Emergency Services and an officer from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The bears have departed the area, the dispatch says, but the State Department of Fish and Game will continue to investigate.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

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