Bear attack has Alaska wildlife officials urging caution

Published 5:30 am Saturday, September 5, 2026

State wildlife officials are urging residents to exercise caution after a Haines woman was attacked by a brown bear, prompting a list of safety recommendations for traveling in bear country.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) released a warning following a weekend encounter on Aug. 29 where the resident was mauled while walking her dog on Mount Riley Road. She sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and managed to return home to call emergency services.

She is currently receiving medical treatment in Juneau.

There have been two brown bear encounters in Southeast Alaska during the summer that have resulted in non-life-threatening human injuries. Based on the circumstances of the incidents, both are believed to have been defensive encounters rather than predatory attacks, according to ADF&G Region 1 management coordinator Elizabeth Roberts.

“Encounters with brown or black bears that result in human injury are extremely rare,” she said. “The recent incident in Haines involved a dog walker who encountered a bear apparently defending an area where human food had been dumped near the side of the road, and based on the circumstances, the bear’s behavior appeared to be defensive and associated with the food attractant.”

Roberts added that the region continues to experience human-bear interactions in the community where human attractants have been the primary factor contributing to the interaction, which includes improperly stored food or other food sources accessible to bears.

“These incidents highlight the importance of reducing access to human food and other attractants,” Roberts said. “When bears learn that food is available in areas frequented by people, the likelihood of repeated human-bear interactions increases.”

The department reminds residents of Southeast Alaska to be vigilant about bear attractants, and to dispose of fish carcasses and other bear attractants appropriately. “Store garbage, livestock and pet food inside — do not leave barbecues and smokers unattended and clean them after use.”

ADF&G biologists, an Alaska Wildlife Trooper, and Haines Police Department personnel conducted an investigation at the site of the Aug. 29 attack. Initial findings indicated that the attack was consistent with a defensive response of the bear. No bears were observed during the investigation.

The ADF&G Gene Conservation Lab in Anchorage will perform DNA analysis from samples collected at the scene to verify species and sex of the animal and possibly identify the specific bear.

“Initial reports identified the animal as a brown bear, however, that will be confirmed once the genetic analysis is complete,” the department stated. “ADF&G is continuing to monitor reports of bear activity in Haines and work closely with Haines Police Department and Alaska Wildlife Troopers.”

The Haines Borough has closed the Lily Lake Trail, and ADF&G is recommending extra caution for those in the area.

The department’s recommended safety tips for traveling in bear country including always carrying a deterrent such as bear spray or a firearm and knowing how to use it, traveling in groups and staying together on trails, and making noise such as talking loudly or singing so bears don’t get surprised.

Other tips include staying alert and using senses to look for signs of bears, such as areas where carcasses of fish or other animals can be seen or smelled, never approaching or crowding bears, and keeping pets on a leash when possible to avoid unwanted wildlife interactions.

The department added to stay calm during a bear encounter and ready a deterrent.

“Stand your ground, group up with others and alert the bear by talking calmly — don’t run,” ADF&G stated. “If the bear is stationary, move away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear, if the bear starts to move toward you or charges, stop and stand your ground, and let the bear know you are not a threat.”

ADF&G also said that behaving calmly, moving slowly, and speaking in a low calm voice will help de-escalate the situation.

More information about bear behaviour and wildlife safety, including what to do during bear encounters and bear spray demonstrations, can be found on the ADF&G website.