An Alaska Wildland Adventures employee was the victim of a bear attack near Cooper Landing on Tuesday late afternoon while out running with another on the Cottonwood Creek Trail, it was reported by troopers.

26-year-old California resident Kaitlin Haley called 911 at 4:26 pm to report the bear attack on the trail on the south side of Skilak Lake. Haley reported that herself and fellow employee, 20-year-old Gabbriele Markel were running on the trail approximately three-quarters of a mile from the lodge when an adult grizzley emerged from the brush and took Markel to the ground.

According to the report, Haley ran from the scene and back to the lodge for help. She reported that the bear was still atop Markel when last she saw her.

Several lodge employees, including Haley ran back to the scene armed with pepper spray. As they made their way to the scene of the attack, they came upon Markel walking towards them. Employees of the lodge transported Markel across Skilak Lake to the Upper Skilak Lake Boat Launch where they were met by Central Emergency Services.

Markel was flown to Providence Hospital by LifeMed helicopter with bites and scratches to her head, arm and back. The injuries, though serious, are not thought to be life-threatening.

Troopers say they still do not know what prompted the attack.

  Alaska, bear attack, cottonwood creek trail, gabbriele Markel, injuries, kaitlin haley, lifemed, providence hospital, skilak lake