2 Soldiers Injured in Bear Attack at Alaska Army Base

The incident occurred during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the internal structure of a soldier's backpack and gear, with the faint outline of a large bear's paw visible in the background, conceptually illustrating the dangers soldiers face from wildlife in remote training areas.An X-ray view reveals the gear soldiers carry to defend against bear attacks in Alaska's wilderness.Anchorage Today

Two soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Both soldiers sustained injuries and are receiving medical care, though specific details about their conditions have not been released.

Why it matters

Bear attacks, while not uncommon in Alaska, are a serious concern for military personnel and the public, especially around training areas and bases. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and safety protocols when operating in bear country.

The details

The soldiers were participating in a land navigation training exercise when the brown bear attack occurred. Both soldiers deployed bear spray during the incident. Officials from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game believe the attack was likely defensive, as the bear had recently emerged from hibernation.

  • The bear attack occurred on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • In May 2022, a soldier was killed by a bear at the same base.

The players

11th Airborne Division

The military unit that the two injured soldiers belong to.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

The state agency that investigated the bear attack and provided analysis.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

The military base in Anchorage, Alaska where the bear attack took place, home to over 40,000 people including more than 20,000 active duty military members.

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What they’re saying

“We hope both individuals have a full and quick recovery, and our thoughts are with them during this time. ADF&G will continue investigating the circumstances that led to the attack and try to learn everything we can about what happened to increase public safety around wildlife in Alaska.”

— Cyndi Wardlow, Regional Supervisor, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

What’s next

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will continue investigating the circumstances of the bear attack to determine what happened and how to improve public safety around wildlife in the area.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that military personnel and the public face when operating in bear country in Alaska. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, proper safety protocols, and collaboration between the military and wildlife agencies to protect lives.