Grizzly Mauls Teens in Alaska
- Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:14am by
Scott Baker
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Sam Gottesgen (left), seen with his father and brother, survived the bear attack
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A grizzly bear that was with her cub attacked several teens participating in a survival skills course in remote wilderness in Alaska, badly mauling two in the group, state troopers said Sunday.
The teens were among seven students participating in a 30-day backcountry course by the National Outdoor Leadership School when the attack occurred Saturday night in the Talkeetna Mountains north of Anchorage. They were rescued early Sunday.
The teens told troopers the attack occurred as they were lined up in front of each other for a river crossing. Those in the back of the line heard scream about the presence of a bear, with the two at the front of the line taking the brunt of the attack, trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters said.
Another group of seven students and three instructors was waiting about six miles away for a helicopter hired by the Lander, Wyo.-based NOLS, said Bruce Palmer, a spokesman for the organization, which leads many such excursions in Alaska and elsewhere.
Palmer said the worst injured with bear bite wounds are 17-year-old Joshua Berg of New City, N.Y., and 17-year-old Samuel Gottsegen of Denver. They were being treated at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. Hospital spokeswoman Crystal Bailey said both are listed in serious condition.
Two others also were injured, Palmer said.
Victor Martin, 18, of Richmond, Calif., was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer and released after being treated for a bite wound above his ankle, according to Palmer. Noah Allaine, 16, of Albuquerque, N.M., remained at the Palmer hospital with injuries Palmer said he did not know. Allaine was listed in good condition, according to a hospital spokeswoman, Margo, Wesley.
The teens were in the 24th day of their course when the attack occurred. There was no instructor with them because that far into the course, they’ve learned enough survival skills, Palmer said.
“Our basic goal is that when a student graduates from the NOLS course, they have the experience and background to be able to take other people out into the backcountry,” he said. “We’re training people to be outdoor leaders basically.”
Calling out to warn bears is among the skills learned in the course.
“The students say they were” doing that, Palmer said.
The teens told troopers the 8:30 p.m. attack occurred as they were lined up in front of each other for a river crossing. The bear attacked Berg first, turned to another student, then turned back to Berg, Palmer said.
After the attack, the teens applied first aid to each other, set up camp and activated a personal locator beacon they carried to be used only for an emergency, Peters said.
The Rescue Coordination Center operated by the Alaska Air National Guard called troopers around 9:30 p.m. to report the activated locator signal. A trooper and pilot in a helicopter located the students in a tent shortly before 3 a.m., but decided the two most seriously injured couldn’t safely be flown in the helicopter, but would need a medical transport aircraft with a medically trained crew.
They called the rescue center for help and the helicopter pilot flew four of the teens to the Talkeetna airport. From there, they driven by ambulance to the Palmer hospital, where they were checked.
The trooper and another student stayed with the badly injured teens for four hours until more rescuers arrived in a specially equipped helicopter, which flew them to the Anchorage hospital, Peters said. The uninjured student who remained is 16-year-old Samuel Boas of Westport, Conn. Palmer said Boas has training as an emergency medical technician.
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Comments (77)
Ramcharger
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:15amHmmmm, let me get this right – we are going to take a bunch of city kids into the wilderness to learn leadership and survival skills. Then, they let them trample around and make noise so the predators know where they are.
Maybe NOLS should have taught them how to use a Blackhawk 44 (this is a gun for our liberal readers) responsibly first – then they could have taken a real survival tool with them.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:37amYeah, didn’t they have guns? I would not go trapesing around Alaska without a big gun!
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:12amI agree; I am kinda a .338, or .375 fan. Very managable with a ‘break’ on the end. Lotsa stopping power, too.
Report Post »tgbobbyt
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:30amActually, making noise was possibly the one good thing they did. Keeps you from surprising the bear. A gun definitely would have been preferable. Don‘t you have to have one in Alaska in you’re out in the wilderness?
Report Post »Yes2NegativeRights
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:31amHey IMAN, are you really a man of the cloth or just a bigoted IDIOT??? Must everything be viewed as religion-inspired?
Report Post »countrysideflair
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:59amI did this same thing as a 16 and 18 year old at Outward Bound Schools (similar 1-6 month outdoor programs). It changed my life for the better. Honestly my experience with PCOBS and HIOBS, has been more influential in my adult life than my Bachelor and Master degrees. At Outward Bound, I learned about myself, I learned about how to work together in a team environment, I learned about risk management, and I learned about how to be successful. I conquered a lot of fears on my two trips – fears that would have controlled my life – if I had not dealt with them.
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:49pmThe wild parts of Alaska is not Disneyland. Wild Grizzly Bears with their cubs are not to be messed with and you never know when you are encroaching on their ‘space’. Humans, with our soft skin are no match for a bear. If you do not know what you are doing, stay out of the wilderness unless you are ready to use firearms and ready to kill the bear. Tree hugger types are not qualified to enter the wilderness.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:37pmWhy should the wildlife in the area suffer because seven amateurs ran roughshod over the joint and got their az$es mauled? So the bear has to die so they can tramp through the woods and have a good time? You know, I like young boys, I have a son, I know that sometimes you have to check to see that they still have brains in their heads, but does the animal always have to die so you can go hiking?
Report Post »Rice Water
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:12amYou don’t need to run faster than the bear; you just need to run faster than the other guy.
Report Post »Barry
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:01amGuns Guns Guns….Carry them in the wild people.
Report Post »Ramcharger
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:16amBig guns with lots of ammo
Report Post »derekcranex
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:25amAbsolutely. The first rule for surviving in the wild: Bring a gun. A Smith & Wesson Model 500 .50-Cal. Magnum could easily drop a bear if you are attacked.
I guess the National Outdoor Leadership School is a little too lefty to include this basic premise in their curriculum.
Report Post »jimwolfalaska
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:45amI live in Alaska, I deal with grizzly bears most every day, and letting kids go out on there own after 24 days, not good.
Report Post »I am 61 and never go alone, my 44 mag and or my 12 ga. are with me.
I am REQUIRED to carry a firearm in my airplane.
DeGrambo
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:00pmStandard guide firarm; 12 guage pump with slugs and double ought buck! Their joke is; if you bring a 44 you better have the front site filed down, so it won‘t hurt so much when the grizz takes it from you and rams it where the sun don’t shine!
Report Post »Thighmaster
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:33amI think the MSM should send out a large group of reporters to interview the bear… I‘m sure there’s another side to this story….
Report Post »ADNIL
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 9:55amI love it!!
Report Post »babylonvi
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 11:32amAnd of course the reporters would be unarmed because they all KNOW how Evil firearms are.
Report Post »Nathaniel Horn
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 1:14pmI would contribute money to that Liberal cause! Of course, the bears would find them so unpalatable that it would make it safe for the rest of us for years… after extensive taste testing, I hope! :)
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:06amIt‘s too bad we couldn’t get some of those insufferable jerks, the bike riders, to be in the path of a swarm of Grizzly moms. A few of their friends mauled to death may teach them that people and things walking have the right of way.
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:02amsurvival in the wilderness, hell teach them survival in the Big City.
Report Post »Red Bubba
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:58amBears always go for the one in the Shakespeare Festival shirt. Greenhorn.
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:58amsurvival school in the wilderness and no gun. i think i would look for a better school. part of your gear in the wilderness should be at least a 44 mag. the griz will eat you. it’s eat or be eaten.
Report Post »Not_A_Useful_Idiot
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 5:52pmExactly, eat or be eaten. Isn’t it the summer spawn for salmon in Alaska? Animals of all types can be found around any good water source. That’s lesson number 1. Lesson number 2 – Alaska is BEAR country. Lesson number 3- Carry a BIG GUN! Lesson number 4 – You will find feeding bears by rivers who will not go away because of a F-in Bell! Lesson number 5 – If you’re not prepared for a Kill or be Killed scenario, stay out of the wilderness. ha ha
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:46amHeadline: mamma griz says, calling out is the call to dinner. the most beautiful sound she ever heard.
Report Post »80mesh
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:38amback in 1980 we were huntin moose not far from where they were attacked. a big ol bull moose came running out of the brush right in front of us, man i figured wow the shot of a life time then the brownie chasin the moose appeared. then i figured i better make the run of my lifetime. the 30 calibre hole in my rifle suddenly didnt seem very big. i stopped by Safeway to get a package of hamburger on the way home.
Report Post »i dont care how “green” you are once you are a link down on the food chain you carry a rifle that the calibre starts with either 4 or an 8 shot 12 guage with slugs, several of these rifles would be better
busterpuddles
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:33amVery proud of the boys. A bit disappointed with NOLS. There should’ve been a better plan for this scenario.
Report Post »Stfwud
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:30amAn outdoor leader would`ve had a gun! Beck, can somebody check the grammer on these articles, please!
Report Post »Viet Vet
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 12:30pmIt’s grammar.
Report Post »Gooddad
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:20amnot.
Report Post »The National Park Rangers are advising hikers in Glacier National Park and other Rocky Mountain parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear’s sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.
Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
chazman
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:53amA grizz is about the fastest animal I have ever seen in a flat out run. Bear spray would have been a good thing for all to carry, but is not a 100% deterrent. If that bear wants ya, she’s gonna get ya …
Report Post »cloudsofwar
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 7:43amgooddad: you had me until that last sentence, very funny.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:04amI thought there for a moment you were serious. I remember that joke from an email.
Report Post »NanaKate
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:36amIn Montana, those little bells you are referring to are known and “dinner bells” …
Report Post »Hickory
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 8:59amRule one: When you meet a grizzly sow with cubs: Sprinkle salt all over your body. The reason is, you are the next item on her menu. I would never go into that area without a 12 ga loaded with slugs. Rule tow:The law of the jungle states that unarmed humans make very tasty meals. Armed humans make grizz a meal. Bon Appétit.
Report Post »nbarendt
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 10:52amAll but the last sentence I have heard as well. My son lives in Missoula, Montana and we went up to Glacier National Park which is basically outside of Missoula, we stopped off the road on one of those scenic pullouts alot of cars pulled off too, there was small trail we walked on but human populated area trail. We ran into a few people that had radios playing loudly so the bears would hear anyone coming, we had pepper spray and we too kept talking loudly to each other because my son said just make noise keep talking, the trail was not long at all but on the way up we did see a small black bear down below drinking from a creek and on the way back to the car someone mentioned on the trail to us that there was a black bear crossing the road up ahead on the trail. We kept our eyes peeled and figured it was probably the bear from the creek below not 2 of them. I tell ya though I would never in bear country backwoods not go without a gun a shot gun at that.
Report Post »AmeriCat
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:35am16 – 18 year old kids from the cities of America,
out in the wilderness of Alaska, in grizzly country,
without a major firearm, without an adult instructor,
without an effective emergency plan,
are supposed to be masters of a Mama grizzly attack on Day 24?
??? Reality Check….
What was everyone thinking?
An angry 9-10 ft tall Mama grizzly is not your barking city dog.
God bless these children, may they be spared in their injuries and heal through love and prayers.
Report Post »Sheepdog911
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:01amOK. So where was the .44 mag and/or the 12 ga with magnum slugs? NOLS = Idiots. Do you really think that calling out to bears scares them, or just alerts them to your presence so they can leave if the want and not be startled? News flash, Grizzlies aren’t afraid of humans.
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:41amAmericat
You stated it perfectly. You were right on. Todd Palin who was born in Alaska and has been going into the wilderness all his life would certainly not think of going without a Weapon !!!!! The Mama was just protecting her baby and territory. There are just some places man does not need to go. Our wildlife no longer has a place to be undisturbed.
.
I pray they completely recover.
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:13amAlright who forgot to bring the gun and ammunition
Report Post »Brasil2520
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:35amSo if Sam on the left has red hair, his father and brother have dark hair ?
Just one thing ask “Lucy you have sooome explaining to dooo”
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 6:43amBrasil
Too funny !!!!
Report Post »LibertyWon
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:32amAnyone young enough not to be allowed to vote or have a drink should be able to handle a bear encounter with pepper spray, really? Anchorage Daily News report made it sound as though the first person to cross the river went into the bush separating himself from the group. Apparently someone wasn’t paying attention when that “Skill” was taught by the instructor. This tops the 79 year old man that died on a white water rafting trip a few years ago. The guide is probably taking his indemnification papers to a safe deposit box.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:23amin Alaska never mess with a bear & never mess with Sarah .
Report Post »Brasil2520
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:15amThis story reminded me of stories from Washington state about families that build a home in the wilderness to get away from civilization and because they “love nature”, then at the first sighting of a cougar, they kill it !!!
Now thanks to the National Outdoor Leadership School Of Dummkopf’s
Report Post »the bear will get killed.
THEBRAIN
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:37amEven if the bear killed a kid, fish, Fur and Feathers here in AK. will defend the bear. Reason being, too many idiots here messing with them. Bears do what bears do. They are truly perfect.
Report Post »Brasil2520
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 4:44amIf those people really love nature, why don’t they just leave nature alone and stop killing it.
Report Post »freedomisvital
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:06amYou go out into the wilderness you implicitly accept natures terms. Life is not a game and in the wilderness all bets are off. Somebody should have been packing a high powered rifle. Luckily more damage and death wasn’t done.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:12amIndeed, in nature you live by her rules — death is a part of life, and on the food chain, grizzlies are at the top as far as humans are concerned. I have seen the scratches black bears have made in trees and the kill remains of the mountain lions in AZ, and they are impressive to understand the power these critters have compared to a human.
Natures rule is simple, learn well and learn quick, or you are dinner.
Report Post »One Match Left
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:54amyeah I do have to say I lived in Alaska for a wee while. People pack heat even when the signs say it is illegal! just for those times when you have no choice. I am shocked they didnt have any thing AND no leader.
Report Post »ArgumentumAdAbsurdum
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:39am“Our basic goal is that when a student graduates from the NOLS course, they have the experience and background to be able to take other people out into the backcountry,” he said. “We’re training people to be outdoor leaders basically.”
I find this statement to be ridiculous. If you’re leading people into the wilderness you should have years of experience and training not a measly 30 day school seminar that you took during summer vacation.
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:30amYou have to start somewhere. NOLTS isn‘t saying they’re training experts with the equivilient expererience of someone with “thirty years” experience. KUDOS to those kids for having the courage to “wander’ in the woods with the goal of learning to survive.
I bet you were also upset about those parents allowing their kid to sail across the ocean. It is also obvious that these ‘kids’ did learn ‘something’ because they didn’t panic and survived a really challenging ordeal.
Report Post »welovetheUSA
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:27amAnyone who lives in Alaska……….knows Not to go hiking during bear-baby season……check with local wildlife centers for bear information. Moose also go after anyone near them with their young as well. Glad your boys are okay.
Report Post »Non-regulator
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:27amAre bears now Conservative? That might be a stretch for even for the outlets.
Report Post »Akscooch
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:26amIf those kids were out there without a firearm big enough to protect them from bear, then someone deserves to be sued. Alaska is not the place for skipping through the woods in bear country, trusting to a can of pressurized cayenne pepper. TOTAL negligence on behalf of the organizers of that program.
Report Post »Enuff Zenuff
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 3:14amI can smell a lawsuit coming the way a bear can smell a line of tasty treats.
Report Post »dcwu
Posted on July 25, 2011 at 2:25amAnd tomorrows lesson will cover bear spray and shooting attacking bears.
Report Post »