Hunter critically injured after shot bear, rocks fall onto him

Hunter critically injured after shot bear, rocks fall onto him

A hunter was nearly killed Saturday when a bear shot during a hunting trip rolled from a ridge onto him.

William McCormick, 28, of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, was airlifted to an Anchorage hospital with life-threatening injuries Saturday, according to an Alaska State Troopers dispatch. McCormick and a partner were hunting near Carter Lake when the pair shot a bear from a ridge. The bear rolled down the slope, dislodging boulders in the process, according to troopers. McCormick was hit by the bear and rocks. The other hunter was uninjured.

Alaska State Troopers, Bear Creek Fire Department, Moose Pass Volunteer Fire Department, and LifeMed all responded to the scene, troopers reported. McCormick was carried to a helicopter and taken to Anchorage Providence Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

— Staff

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