Park rangers killed an aggressive black bear along a popular hiking trail in Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve out of Seward on Tuesday.
The National Park Service said it received a report of “a large aggressive black bear that was threatening and had possibly injured park visitors” on the Harding Icefield Trail around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Rangers carrying firearms and bear spray responded, along with Alaska State Troopers, other park staff and Bear Creek Fire and Rescue personnel who searched for the hikers.
Kenai Fjords law enforcement rangers encountered a black bear that “was aggressive and refusing to give way” about 1.5 miles up the trail, which is located in the portion of the park near Exit Glacier.
“Rangers hazed the bear, but the animal would not leave the site,” the National Park Service said in a statement. “Because rangers were concerned for the safety of the possible victims, they were forced to euthanize the animal.”
Rangers found two uninjured hikers farther up the 4.1-mile trail who were “waiting to be escorted by park staff to safety,” according to the park service. Rangers removed the bear’s carcass, which the park plans to donate to charity so the meat may be salvaged, park officials said.
Matt Levy of Port Angeles, Wash., leads hikers to Marmot Meadows, about 1.4 miles up the Harding Icefield Trail, on July 2, 2016. (Vicky Ho / ADN archive)
The incident temporarily closed the trail, which switchbacks up steep, densely vegetated terrain before ascending above tree line.
The National Park Service urged hikers traveling in bear country to travel in groups, make their presence known, give bears a wide berth, carry bear spray, avoid areas where carcasses may be located and avoid attracting bears with food or trash.
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