2 U.S. soldiers injured in brown bear attack in Alaska

Two U.S. soldiers were injured in a brown bear attack while taking part in a land navigation training exercise near Anchorage, Alaska, according to military and wildlife officials.

The attack happened in the Arctic Valley training area at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a large military installation in Anchorage that includes remote mountain terrain used for field exercises.

The soldiers were participating in a training event there when they were attacked, according to Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed, a public affairs officer for the Army’s 11th Airborne Division.

The Army said both soldiers were receiving medical care as of Friday morning. Officials did not release details about their conditions pending notification of next of kin.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game said the attack happened in a remote part of the base west of the Glenn Highway, an area with limited access. Wildlife officials said it appeared to have been a defensive attack by a brown bear that had recently emerged from its den.

Fish and Game regional supervisor Cyndi Wardlow said the fact that both soldiers were carrying bear spray may have saved their lives.

“We hope both individuals have a full and quick recovery, and our thoughts are with them during this time,” Wardlow said.