Alaska Moose Hunter Survives Brown Bear Attack
Alaska Moose Hunter Survives Brown Bear Attack
Anonymous
Key Points
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The hunters had gone out after work to scout for moose near the Killey River in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. After hiking less than two miles and finding no moose at several swampy ponds, they took a different route back toward Yeager’s truck around dusk.
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Haakenson said his last clear memory was trying to shoulder his rifle as the bear jumped at him. Yeager initially avoided aiming directly at the animal because Haakenson was underneath it; after two handgun shots, the bear fled, and Yeager continued firing and may have hit it as it ran.
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Haakenson’s shredded KUIU hiking jacket was credited with helping protect him, and the company reportedly offered to replace his hiking gear.
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Haakenson grew up in Soldotna and had gone hunting with Yeager after work, adding local and personal context to the encounter beyond the immediate attack.
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Alaska is home to an estimated 30,000 brown bears, according to reports on the incident.
A moose hunter in Alaska survived a harrowing brown bear attack on September 2 near Soldotna after the animal knocked him down and briefly pinned him. Gavin Haakenson's hunting partner, Ethan Yeager, fired handgun shots and shouted at the bear, driving it away in less than 10 seconds. Haakenson suffered a bruised shoulder and a torn jacket but no broken bones and is expected to recover fully after about six weeks of physical therapy.
The encounter happened as the two hunters returned to their truck after scouting for moose in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife officials searched for the bear but never located it, leaving Haakenson uncertain whether he will return to hunt in the area.
Scout Hunt Ends With Sudden Ambush
Haakenson and Yeager had gone out after work to scout for moose near the Killey River. After hiking less than two miles and finding no animals at several swampy ponds, they took a different route back toward the truck around dusk. That's when the bear attacked with no warning. Haakenson said his last clear memory was trying to shoulder his rifle as the bear jumped at him.
The entire attack lasted less than 10 seconds. Yeager initially held his fire because Haakenson was trapped underneath the animal. After two handgun shots, the bear fled. Yeager continued firing and may have hit the animal as it ran into the brush.
Protective Jacket Helps Prevent Serious Injury
Haakenson's KUIU hiking jacket was shredded by the bear's claws and teeth but likely prevented deeper wounds. The company reportedly offered to replace his damaged gear. Despite being knocked down and pinned, Haakenson escaped without broken bones — a fortunate outcome given the violence of the encounter.
Brown bear attacks in Alaska are rare, though the state is home to an estimated 30,000 brown bears. Most attacks occur when bears are surprised or protecting food or cubs. Haakenson was fortunate that Yeager was nearby and armed with a handgun.
Uncertain Future for Return to Hunting Grounds
Wildlife officials conducted a search for the bear but did not locate it. Without finding and removing the animal, uncertainty remains about whether it will attack again. Haakenson grew up in Soldotna and had taken this hunting trip after work with Yeager as part of their regular routine.
The decision to return to the same hunting area is now complicated. Haakenson must weigh his desire to hunt moose against the risk of encountering the same bear. The lack of closure — no bear found or removed — means the threat remains unresolved.
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