A man found bleeding with multiple wounds on Wednesday night on the outskirts of Anchorage was initially thought to have been the victim of a bear attack. However, wildlife biologists are now reporting the attack was more likely from a moose. Anchorage police received a call stating the man was barely responsive and may have been stabbed. Police and medics responded, and took the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced in critical condition.
After further investigating and working with medical staff at the hospital, it was initially determined that the male was likely attacked by a bear. Police had notified Fish and Game about the incident. Fish and Game biologists conducted a further investigation and determined that there was no evidence to suggest a bear attack at the crime scene. Police have not been able to interview the male yet .
When examining the victim, biologists “found nothing to suggest any of the injuries were caused by a bear,” according to a press release from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Police confirmed an agitated moose was near the scene the night the man was found.
Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
