Here’s the latest I can provide based on recent reporting:
Two U.S. Army soldiers were injured in a bear attack during a land navigation training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska. The incident occurred in mid-April 2026, in the Arctic Valley training area, and bear spray was deployed by the soldiers. The bear itself was not located immediately following the attack, and the area was later closed to recreation as a safety precaution. The soldiers received medical care and were reported to be on leave while continuing treatment. [Sources note: Anchorage-area reports and military briefings from April 2026 detail the event and subsequent follow-ups.]
A follow-up briefing in May 2026 indicated that both soldiers were treated at an Anchorage hospital and remained on leave as they continued their medical care. Wildlife and state authorities continued to monitor bear activity in the region, with authorities noting no elevated risk of further encounters in the area at that time. [Sources from Alaska wildlife and military updates in May 2026.]
There are other historical bear-related incidents at JBER noted in prior years, including a 2022 incident with a fatal outcome for one soldier and injuries to another, and more recent 2014 incidents on base; however, the current ongoing 2026 incident is separate and specific to the April event and its aftermath. [Historical summaries appear in local and national coverage of JBER bear encounters.]
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Would you like a compact timeline or a brief briefing note suitable for shareable communication? If you want sources, I can list the specific outlets and dates.
Officials with the 11th Airborne Division said the two soldiers were treated for their wounds at an Anchorage hospital and remained on leave more than three weeks after the incident as they continued to receive medical care.
alaskapublic.orgANCHORAGE — An Alaska Army National Guard soldier was wearing a combat helmet and other protective gear when he was attacked by a bear while participating
www.peninsulaclarion.comThe soldiers were carrying bear spray and used it during the Thursday attack, officials said.
www.newsweek.comOfficials say the soldiers were injured during a “land navigation training event” at the base. A task force from the base responded to the incident and provided medical care.
alaskapublic.orgThe U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division soldiers were hurt in the encounter with a brown bear while participating a "land navigation training event."
www.military.comTwo soldiers were attacked by a black bear while on a land navigation training mission at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
mybaseguide.com