2 Alaska-based soldiers injured in bear encounter during training

The incident occurred in a mountainous training area near Anchorage.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bear's claw or paw print in the dirt, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent bear encounter during military training exercises in Alaska highlights the unique risks soldiers face in the state's wilderness areas.Anchorage Today

Two U.S. Army soldiers were injured after encountering a brown bear during a land navigation training exercise in the Arctic Valley area of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. The soldiers used pepper spray on the bear, but their conditions were not immediately released pending notification of relatives. The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to ensure the safety of personnel in the area.

Why it matters

Bear encounters are a serious risk for military personnel conducting training exercises in Alaska's wilderness areas, which are home to significant populations of both black and brown bears. This incident highlights the need for proper safety protocols and coordination with local wildlife authorities to protect soldiers during field training.

The details

The two soldiers were participating in a 'land navigation training event' in the Arctic Valley area of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson training grounds when they encountered the brown bear on Thursday. Both soldiers used pepper spray on the bear, but their specific injuries and current medical conditions were not disclosed by military officials.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Military officials provided an update on the situation on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division, who stated that the safety and well-being of personnel is the military's highest priority.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

A U.S. military installation in Anchorage, Alaska that encompasses 100 square miles and is home to significant populations of both black and brown bears.

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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 incident is still under investigation, and military officials are coordinating with local wildlife authorities to ensure the continued safety of personnel in the training area.

The takeaway

This bear encounter underscores the unique challenges and risks that military personnel face when conducting training exercises in Alaska's wilderness areas, which are home to significant bear populations. Proper safety protocols and close coordination with local wildlife authorities are essential to protect soldiers in these environments.