Two U.S. Soldiers Injured in Bear Attack During Alaska Training

The soldiers were part of the 11th Airborne Division conducting exercises near Anchorage.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bear claw against a pitch-black background, conveying the sudden and gritty nature of the bear attack on the soldiers.A recent bear attack on U.S. soldiers during a training exercise in Alaska highlights the risks of military operations in remote wilderness areas.Anchorage Today

Two soldiers from the U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division were injured after being attacked by a brown bear during a training exercise in Anchorage, Alaska. The soldiers were participating in routine field training when the incident occurred, and they are currently recovering from their injuries.

Why it matters

Bear attacks on humans, though rare, can have serious consequences, especially for military personnel engaged in training exercises in remote areas. This incident highlights the need for proper safety protocols and precautions when conducting training in bear country.

The details

The two soldiers were part of a larger group from the 11th Airborne Division conducting field training exercises near Anchorage when the brown bear attack occurred. The soldiers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

  • The attack happened on April 19, 2026 during a routine training exercise.

The players

U.S. Army's 11th Airborne Division

A specialized airborne infantry division of the United States Army based in Alaska.

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What they’re saying

“The safety of our soldiers is our top priority, and we are grateful the injuries sustained were non-life-threatening. We will review this incident to ensure proper protocols are in place for training in bear country.”

— Lt. Col. Sarah Wilkins, Spokesperson, 11th Airborne Division

What’s next

The Army will investigate the incident and review safety procedures for future training exercises in Alaska.

The takeaway

This bear attack serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of military training in remote wilderness areas, and the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect soldiers when operating in bear habitats.