Man attacked by bear while riding a bike, authorities say

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - A man was attacked by a bear while riding a bike in Alaska, according to officials.

Alaska Fish and Game biologist Cory Stantorf said a man riding a mountain bike on Dome Trail near Stuckagain Heights in Anchorage, Alaska, was attacked by a brown bear Saturday afternoon.

The man was coming down a hill when he saw a bear ahead of him walking on the trail.

“He immediately started to brake, was able to get off his bike, talk to the bear and the bear charged and ended up making contact with his bike and him, and then the bear immediately retreated,” Stantorf said.

Stantorf said the man was carrying bear spray but did not have time to use it. His injuries are considered minor.

Alaska Fish and Game is not looking for the bear, but collected samples to determine its sex and confirm its species.

The area where the attack happened is closed for a week as a precaution.

“It sounds like a case where he startled a bear, the bear defended itself from a perceived threat and then left the area, which is what any bear likely in that same situation would have done,” Stantorf said.

Stantorf said bikers may be at greater risk of attack than others because their speed can startle animals on a trail, especially as they round curves or navigate trails with limited visibility.

“That risk increases as you increase the speed,” Stantorf said. “When people are out mountain biking, enjoying the trails, make noise and expect that you may have an encounter and be prepared ahead of time of how you might deal with that encounter.”