2 soldiers in Alaska seriously injured in bear attack during training mission, Army says

The unidentified soldiers deployed bear spray, according to the Army.

2 soldiers in Alaska seriously injured in bear attack during training mission, Army says

Signage outside the entrance of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, US, on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.

Two soldiers were seriously injured after encountering a brown bear during a training mission at a military base in Alaska, the Army said.

The unidentified service members who were with the 11th Airborne Division encountered the animal during a "land navigation training event" at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, according to a press release.

Signage outside the entrance of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, US, on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Army did not provide many details about the encounter but said that the soldiers were equipped with bear spray, which they deployed.

"The incident is currently under investigation, and we are working closely with installation authorities and local wildlife officials to gather all relevant information and ensure the safety of all personnel in the area," the 11th Airborne Division said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed, a spokesperson for the 11th Airborne Division, told ABC News that both soldiers sustained serious injuries in the incident but were treated promptly and are receiving care at a medical facility in Anchorage.

As of Saturday morning, both continued to show improvement, but they will require ongoing care to support a full recovery, the spokesperson said.

The status and the whereabouts of the bear were not immediately known.