Grizzly bear kills hiker in Denali National Park
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A grizzly bear has killed a hiker at Denali National Park - the first fatal attack in the park's history, officials said Saturday.
Denali Park officials said the hiker was backpacking alone along the Toklat River on Friday afternoon when he was attacked. A wallet was found near the site of the attack with probable identification. However, next of kin have not been notified.
Officials said this attack was the first known fatal mauling in the park's history.
Rangers are due back at the site Saturday to retrieve the hiker's remains and attempt to locate the predatory bear. About 12 bears live in the area, officials said.
Officials learned of the attack after three day hikers stumbled upon an abandoned backpack along the river about three miles from a rest area on Friday afternoon. The hikers also spotted torn clothing and blood. They immediately hiked back and alerted staff park.
Rangers were dispatched on a helicopter and were able to identify the site of the attack by Friday evening. When they arrived, one bear was at the site, although multiple bears could have been there, officials said.
With bears in the area and waning light, the rangers decided to return Saturday to recover the remains.
"Initial evidence indicates that the attack occurred proximate to the river's open braided gravel bar, although the bear subsequently dragged the remains to a more secluded, brushy cache site," the park's release said.
Park officials said they don't believe other registered backpackers are in the immediate area. An emergency closure on that part of the park has been placed.
All backpackers in the park receive mandatory bear awareness training prior to receive a permit.
Denali Park officials said the hiker was backpacking alone along the Toklat River on Friday afternoon when he was attacked. A wallet was found near the site of the attack with probable identification. However, next of kin have not been notified.
Officials said this attack was the first known fatal mauling in the park's history.
Rangers are due back at the site Saturday to retrieve the hiker's remains and attempt to locate the predatory bear. About 12 bears live in the area, officials said.
Officials learned of the attack after three day hikers stumbled upon an abandoned backpack along the river about three miles from a rest area on Friday afternoon. The hikers also spotted torn clothing and blood. They immediately hiked back and alerted staff park.
Rangers were dispatched on a helicopter and were able to identify the site of the attack by Friday evening. When they arrived, one bear was at the site, although multiple bears could have been there, officials said.
With bears in the area and waning light, the rangers decided to return Saturday to recover the remains.
"Initial evidence indicates that the attack occurred proximate to the river's open braided gravel bar, although the bear subsequently dragged the remains to a more secluded, brushy cache site," the park's release said.
Park officials said they don't believe other registered backpackers are in the immediate area. An emergency closure on that part of the park has been placed.
All backpackers in the park receive mandatory bear awareness training prior to receive a permit.
The summer I was 15 my father was a construction worker on the highway paving crew near the park. I spent all summer hiking the woods alone around the park. I encountered a few bears and they went one way and I went the other. My father made me carry his 357 whenever I was out. I never even pulled it out of the holster. I would see a bear and slowly back away. The person here that said no one should hike alone has no idea how great it is to enjoy the solitude of nature in a place as beautiful as the Alaska wilderness.
No I don't consider myself brave or stupid. I just really enjoy nature and have a deep respect for the animals that live in the woods of Alaska. With very few exceptions if you leave them alone they will leave you alone.
Rest in peace lone hiker.I know you died doing what you loved.
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I just hope they're not going to try to track down the bear and put IT down!
@Commenter87643
I know a thing or two about Alaska, and the bear will be put down because it now has a taste for human flesh, as will more than likely any other bears in the area that have eaten portions of the remains. Its too bad really because the bears are just doing what they are supposed to do. I mean no disrespect to the hiker or his/her family. But this time of year you have to be very bear aware. My guess knowing the trail and area this was an outside tourist that had no bear experience. RIP fellow traveler and my condolences to the family.Â
 @Kodiak  @Commenter87643 I think the 'taste for human flesh' idea needs to be rethought. I don't think bears do taste comparisons between meats. They MAY enjoy honey's sweetness, but I really doubt they taste human and think 'dang! that's a lot better than salmon! Gotta get me more of that!'
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It MAY be that a bear could now see human as easy pickings, but I think that could be retaught with a 'hard release' kind of education.
 @Kodiak  @Commenter87643 I read on CNN that they did destroy it :( "Photographs found in his camera revealed that White was watching the bear for at least eight minutes near a river before the attack. "The bear was generally unaware that he was there until the last couple of shots, then his attention turned," park spokeswoman Maureen McLaughlin said."
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I just think hiker's in seriously wild wilderness areas need to be aware that they ARE prey to the inhabitants, & let the wild animals do what they will.
@Commenter87643
Bears are like stray cats. You feed them once and they will come back. Bottom line on this one is the hiker probably didnât take the proper precautions or stumbled onto a mother or sick bear. Sad part is they will put it down, rather than save it.Â
@Commenter87643 I hope they dont.
I am surprised its the first one, I would have never guessed. Unlike the coastal Browns eating all the salmon those interior bears are protein deficient and are ready to eat at the first whiff of meat on the hoof. While they are smaller they are definately more agressive.Â
That had to be the scariest way to leave this earth...Grizzly...excuse the pun! Sad so very sad!!
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His name, once revealed will have a place in history. That's more than most of us get.
I'm sure the bears are talking about him too.
You always take that chance if you go hiking in untammed wilderness, especially if you chose to do so alone. Not the smartest decision in the world.
@MossMan   I wouldn't judge him for his decision to go solo, anyone who decides to undertake such a challenge is fully aware of the risks involved. Aside from the fatal attack, his trip was probably amazing. He probably lived for experiences like that. If living life to the fullest is not smart, what's it worth?
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RIP Denali hiker, I hope you found a great place to be at peace.
@lilhikergrl Couldn't have said it better myself.
@MossMan  While I agree, that there can be safety in numbers, some people are moved to experience their existence on this earth in a solitary way at times. I wouldn't label this person less smart. I would imagine he knew the risks and chose to take nature on nature's terms.Â
@achoo2 I completely agree with you. And he lost, but it was his own choice.