Solo hiker mauled by bear, officials say

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - First responders in Alaska rescued a woman after a bear mauling was reported Tuesday.

According to the Anchorage Fire Department, the mauling took place just before 2:30 p.m. near the Basher Trailhead in Anchorage’s Stuckagain Heights area.

Anchorage Fire Department spokesperson Megan Peters said the woman was hiking solo and had told responders she believed she was attacked by a brown bear.

Authorities said the woman was eventually found with the help of drones and an Alaska Department of Public Safety helicopter unit. She was airlifted to the hospital.

Officials said the woman is in stable condition with what appears to be non-life-threatening injuries. The bear reportedly fled after the attack.

Peters said it took about an hour to get rescuers out to the area where the attack happened.

Peters said nine units were still on scene as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials said multiple first responders were involved in the search and they urged residents to stay away from the area and avoid driving through the area unless necessary.