Two soldiers were injured in a bear encounter at JBER that’s still under investigation. Officials say no bear was found afterward, and the area has been closed. Experts believe it was a defensive encounter as bears emerge in the spring, and say it’s a reminder to stay alert and prepared outdoors.
Two soldiers were injured in a bear encounter at JBER, and the incident is still under investigation. Officials say the soldiers had bear spray, and no bear was found afterward. Wildlife experts believe it was likely a defensive attack as bears emerge in the spring. Experts and locals say th…
Officials say the soldiers had bear spray, and no bear was found during the follow-up. The area west of the Glenn Highway is closed. The incident is under investigation with help from installation officials and wildlife experts. Fish and Game says it appears to be a defensive attack by a bear emerging from hibernation. Bear safety expert Sarah Stallone with Accurate Advantage says this is the time of year when bears are waking up.
“The job of some of us as humans is to be extra alert, especially during these spring windows when bears are awake. They’re just emerging,” Stallone said.
“The bears begin to emerge and check out what their options are as far as getting to move around on mountainsides or what food sources might start growing, peeking through the snow,” she said.
Pat Connor gets out and hikes quite often and tries to be as prepared as possible.
“We try to remember to bring bear spray, and we have the little bells,” Connor said.
Ray Koleser has had a lot of encounters with bears, having worked for the U.S. Forest Service. Last year, his partner was also attacked by a bear.
“The results of that, what can actually happen to you when you get in a bear encounter where the bear actually mauls you, it was pretty much an eye opener,” Koleser said.
And as this investigation continues, experts say this serves as a reminder to be careful.
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