Alaska hunter survives brown bear attack near Soldotna

A moose hunter survived a brown bear attack near Soldotna, Alaska, on September 2. Gavin Haakenson and his companion, Ethan Yeager, were returning to their truck after a hunt when a brown bear charged Haakenson at close range.

The bear struck Haakenson in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. During the encounter, Haakenson lost consciousness, a moment he noted he was glad for to avoid the memory of the animal being on top of him. The attack lasted approximately ten seconds before Yeager’s shouting and warning shots drove the bear away.

Haakenson sustained a scratch on his arm and a bruised shoulder, but medical examinations confirmed no broken bones. His KUIU hiking jacket was shredded during the incident. State wildlife officials searched the area but did not locate the bear.