A man was mauled by a bear off Diamond Ridge Road on Monday afternoon, sustaining what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries in the attack.
Homer Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Kirko said department medics responded with an ambulance around 3:50 p.m. after being called for mutual aid from Kachemak Emergency Services. By the time they got on scene, the man was bandaged up and was waiting in another person’s truck for the ambulance to arrive.
Kirko said the individual was transported to South Peninsula Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
According to the Alaska State Troopers, the man was walking his two dogs on the trails off Rucksack Drive off Diamond Ridge when they encountered a brown bear sow and two cubs. The bear attacked the man, and the dogs reportedly chased the bears off, allowing the injured man to run to a house in the area.
Jason Herreman from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game said, “The fellow was out walking his dogs. The gentleman came upon a sow with, it sounds like two to three cubs, and sounds like it was a defensive attack by the sow.”
Chief Kirko said while there are few exact details about the mauling, it was important that the Homer area know that the incident occurred and that residents and would-be hikers be cautious in the area.
Fish and Game’s Herreman reminded residents that bears are still active.
“We would ask that hikers and residents be cognizant that bears are up and in the area," Herreman said. "They will be up for some time, particularly with the warm weather we’re still having. Folks need to be aware of this and keep their attractants put away; make sure their trash is contained. Bird feeders, please keep those put away still. Make sure when you are going out hiking you’re being observant and keeping your bear spray handy.”
As of Monday evening, the bears had not been located.