Alaska runner hospitalized after bear spray encounter with brown bear

A runner was hospitalized in Anchorage, Alaska, after using bear spray to fend off a brown bear attack on the Wolverine Bowl trail at Prospect Heights. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reported that the woman was able to escape the bear and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for treatment. Biologists investigated the site of the incident but did not observe any bears. The department has posted warning signs at the trailhead and advised hikers to avoid closed trails. They emphasized that hikers should carry deterrents, stay in groups, and remain vigilant for signs of bears. The department noted that thick summer foliage can obstruct visibility, increasing the likelihood of surprise encounters. They provided guidance on how to respond if a bear is encountered, including remaining calm and using deterrents if necessary. This incident follows another bear attack in Anchorage less than a month prior, where a woman was mauled while walking with dogs in a residential area adjacent to Chugach State Park.