(Anchorage) — Fish and Game biologists investigating a suspected wildlife attack in South Anchorage where a man was seriously injured Wednesday night have concluded his injuries were likely received in a confrontation with a moose.

The Anchorage Police Department received a report on June 8, at 9:11 p.m., of an injured man discovered on an extended private driveway in a wooded area near Selkirk Drive. Initially investigated as a stabbing, police and medical staff later reported the injuries more resembled those associated with a bear mauling. Police were unable to interview the survivor, who remained hospitalized with serious injuries.

Fish and Game biologists were notified of the attack by police on Thursday morning and responded to the scene, located adjacent to the Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area, to begin their investigation. As biologists worked, a call was received from a resident nearby who had just encountered a black bear. The caller reported the bear did not immediately leave the area and had shown no fear of humans. A short time later, a black bear appeared from the woods about 100 yards from the attack scene.

Concerned for public safety based on information suggesting a bear mauling had likely occurred, and because the bear showed no natural fear of humans and had appeared within close proximity of the attack scene, biologists made the decision to kill the animal.

Biologists returned to their investigation at the attack scene where observations of tracks and hair suggested the injuries were likely the result of an attack involving a moose. No evidence indicating the presence of a bear was found at the scene. Conversations with Anchorage police later confirmed that a moose had been seen in the vicinity of the attack on the night the man was injured. Officers said the animal had appeared agitated.

Prior to concluding their investigation, biologists received additional information about injuries sustained by the man in the attack. The injuries were consistent with those of a moose attack. Biologists found nothing to suggest any of the injuries were caused by a bear. The department has determined that further confirmation from DNA testing is not needed at this time.

Source: ADF&G [xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

  Anchorage, attack, bear, biologists, Moose