2 Alaska-based soldiers injured in bear attack during training

The incident occurred in a mountainous training area near Anchorage.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:42am

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A soft, hazy landscape of snow-capped mountains and pine trees, with the faint outline of a large bear in the distance, conveying the remote and wild setting of the military training area.The rugged Alaskan wilderness where two soldiers encountered a dangerous bear during a training exercise.Anchorage Today

Two U.S. Army soldiers were injured after encountering a brown bear during a training exercise in the Anchorage area on Thursday. The soldiers used pepper spray on the bear, but both suffered injuries and are receiving medical care. The incident is under investigation by the military and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Why it matters

Encounters between humans and bears are not uncommon in Alaska, especially in military training areas that overlap with bear habitats. This incident highlights the risks soldiers face during outdoor training and the need for proper safety protocols when operating in bear country.

The details

The soldiers were participating in a 'land navigation training event' in the Arctic Valley area of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson when they encountered the brown bear. Both soldiers used pepper spray on the bear, but they still suffered injuries that required medical attention. Few other details about the incident have been released as it remains under investigation.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division

The military unit that the injured soldiers belong to.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

The state agency investigating the bear encounter.

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What they’re saying

“The safety and well-being of our personnel is our highest priority.”

— Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed, Spokesperson, U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division

What’s next

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is collecting samples to identify the bear involved, and the military base has closed the area to recreational activity while the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper safety protocols and bear awareness training for military personnel operating in Alaska's wilderness areas, where encounters with wildlife can pose serious risks.