Wildlife officers in Alaska have stated two campers had been attacked by a bear this weekend whereas they had been sleeping in a tent in Kenai Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
Alaska Division of Fish and Recreation biologist Jeff Selinger stated the campers had been sleeping when the bear attacked Saturday round midnight, the Anchorage Day by day Information reported Saturday. The campers had bear deterrents however didn’t have sufficient time to make use of them.
“There’s no indication that they did something to immediate the assault or did something flawed,” he stated. “It’s a type of the place you occur to be within the flawed place on the flawed time.”
Refuge spokesperson Leah Eskelin stated the campers had been attacked in a dispersed space alongside the shoreline of Skilak Lake, about 58 miles south of Anchorage. There have been no different campers within the space on the time.
Selinger stated the campers, who had been properly ready with first support provides, had been capable of load some gear right into a kayak the place they rowed for at the very least an hour to get extra assist. Selinger stated cell service is unreliable close to the lake. Officers stated one of many campers was airlifted to a close-by hospital and the opposite was taken by ambulance. It’s unclear how extreme the campers’ accidents had been.
“We’re grateful that they obtained the care that they wanted immediately and that everybody actually got here collectively on the campground to supply that support and provides them a fast response time,” Eskelin stated.
Eskelin stated officers have no idea but why the bear attacked or what sort of bear was concerned within the assault. She stated officers with the state Division of Fish and Recreation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visited the scene, the place they hope to research DNA from the tent to find out the species of bear.
Hidden Creek Path, a 3-mile loop path that results in Skilak Lake, was closed Saturday after the assault, officers stated. It reopened Sunday with indicators warning individuals concerning the assault and to make use of warning.
Selinger stated it might be smart to keep away from the realm as a result of the bear might nonetheless be round. However he additionally urged campers and hikers to make use of warning and carry security provides if within the space.
“The large factor is being ready in addition to these people had been,” Selinger stated. “At all times have some medical gear, possibly compression bandages and issues you might not consider. And everytime you’re going out, simply be ready in case one thing does occur.”
