WALES, Alaska (AP) — A polar bear has attacked and killed two people in a remote village in western Alaska, according to state troopers.
Alaska State Troopers said they received the report of the attack at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Wales, on the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, KTUU reported.
“Initial reports indicate that a polar bear had entered the community and had chased multiple residents,” troopers wrote. “The bear fatally attacked an adult female and juvenile male."
The bear was shot and killed by a local resident as it attacked the pair, troopers said.
The names of the the two people killed were not released. Troopers said they were working to notify family members.
Troopers and the state Department of Fish and Game are planning to travel to Wales once weather allows for it, the dispatch said.
Wales is a small, predominantly Inupiaq town of about 150 people, just over 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Nome.
Fatal polar bear attacks have been rare in Alaska's recent history. In 1990, a polar bear killed a man farther north of Wales in the village of Point Lay. Biologists later said the animal showed signs of starvation, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
Alaska scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey in 2019 found changes in sea ice habitat had coincided with evidence that polar bears’ use of land was increasing and that the chances of a polar bear encounter had increased.
-
Gardner Minshew beats out Aidan O'Connell for Raiders starting quarterback job
Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says former Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew will be the team's starting quarterback going into the season.Democratic National Convention kicks off with excitement for Harris-Walz ticket
President Joe Biden will help open the Democratic National Convention on Monday by lending his support for Vice President Kamala Harris.FDA approves device that stops severe bleeding in seconds
The FDA has approved a device that stops severe bleeding — like from gunshot wounds — in seconds. Here's what to know about Traumagel.Lawrence police investigating shooting that killed 3
Police in Lawrence are investigating after three people were killed in a shooting on Sunday evening.