Alaska Department Of Public Safety,State Troopers Public Information Office

Dispatch Text:

Update: On August 30, an investigation in the vicinity of the attack was conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers. Investigation revealed an illegal dump site that the bear had begun to cache. It was determined that the attack was likely defensive related to the food source.
On August 31, a Haines Police officer was charged by a bear at the site and dispatched the bear. DNA samples were collected from the bear and sent for comparison with the DNA samples recovered from the victim’s clothing. Wildlife Troopers and Haines Police continue to monitor bears frequenting the site.

Original: On August 29, 2026, at 6:52 am, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report of a bear mauling in Haines. The victim was walking their dog when they were attacked by a bear from behind. The bear retreated after the initial attack and the victim was able to go home and call 911. The victim was then transported to a local clinic for treatment of injuries sustained in the attack. Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Haines Borough Police responded to the area but were unable to locate or identify the bear. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers are currently monitoring the situation.