The University of Alaska professor who was mauled by a bear last month near Haines has been released from the hospital.
Forest Wagner spent about three weeks at Providence Hospital in Anchorage following the April 18 attack. Wagner was leading a mountaineering trip on Mt. Emmerich when he encountered the bear. The other 11 people on the expedition were not injured.
Neither the university nor the hospital has released information about the extent of Wagner’s injuries. An Alaska Department of Fish and Game Biologist who is tasked with learning what led to the bear attack has not yet spoken to Wagner or the students on the trip. She says Wagner was attacked by a brown bear sow with at least one cub.
He was medevaced from the remote area and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Providence. His condition gradually improved, and he was moved from the ICU to the orthopedic care unit.
University of Alaska Southeast spokesperson Katie Bausler says Wagner will continue outpatient physical therapy following his release from the hospital.
Wagner has declined interview requests. In a statement, he said he was grateful for the ‘overwhelming amount of support’ and that he expects to return to Juneau later this month.
More than 300 people have donated about $25,000 via an online fundraising page to help pay for Wagner’s medical expenses.
Emily Files is a reporter at KHNS in Haines.
