Alaska State Troopers were notified of a bear mauling at George Lake near Delta Junction at 6:43 pm on Thursday. The caller reported that the victim was outside laying on the ground, his condition unknown.

The caller said that they had sought refuge inside the cabin and called for help.

Helo-2 was dispatched from Fairbanks, a Blackhawk helicopter was dispatched from Eielson Air Force base and an airboat with Alaska Wildlife troopers responded to the scene.

Eielson personnel arrived first at 9:06 pm. They found the person in the cabin and the man outside the cabin. The man outside had already succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as 64-year-old Fairbanks resident Robert Weaver. Next of kin was at the scene and was notified of his death then transported to safety.

A search was conducted in the area, but no sign of the marauding bear was found.

The Department of Fish and Game was notified of the fatal attack.

As the Wildlife Trooper was conducting the death investigation, a black bear appeared at the scene. The bear was immediately dispatched. It is unknown at this time if the bear that was shot was the one responsible for Weaver’s death.

Weaver’s remains are being transported to the State Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy.

The remains of the black bear are being transported to Fairbanks for necropsy by the Department of Fish and Game.