A Haines man was mauled by a bear while backcountry snowboarding near Chilkoot Lake over the weekend. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued and transported him to Juneau, where he’s being treated for head and hand injuries.
The mauling occurred off the Glory Hole trail, about 1600 feet above Chilkoot Lake on Saturday.
Alaska State Troopers requested assistance from the Coast Guard around 3:20 p.m. A Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka responded to transport the man to the hospital.
Two skiers with the injured man used a satellite communication device to provide precise coordinates and elevation of their location. They had brightly colored fabric to signal the helicopter as it approached.
The air crew successfully hoisted the man into the helicopter, and provided medical care while in transit to Juneau.
The man’s current condition is unknown. Coast Guard personnel said he was responsive and talking during the rescue.
The U.S. Coast Guard provided this video of the rescue.
This story will be updated if more information becomes available.
