US Army soldiers injured in bear attack during field training in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - During a training exercise in Alaska, two U.S. Army soldiers were attacked by a brown bear, officials said.

The two troops were participating in a "land navigation training event" at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's Arctic Valley training area in Anchorage, Lt. Col. Jo Nederhoed, a spokesperson for the 11th Airborne Division, told the Anchorage Daily News.

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Wildlife officials from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game told the Anchorage Daily News the incident appeared to have been a defensive attack after the bear recently emerged from its den, and both soldiers were carrying bear spray and used it.

"We hope both individuals have a full and quick recovery, and our thoughts are with them during this time," Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Cyndi Wardlow told the newspaper.

After the incident, the soldiers were "receiving appropriate medical care" Friday morning. The extent of their injuries is unknown.

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"The safety and well-being of our personnel is our highest priority," Nederhoed said. "The incident is under investigation, and we are coordinating with local wildlife authorities to ensure the safety of all personnel in the area." 

Over 98% of all brown bears in the United States and more than 70% of the entire North American population call Alaska home, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Bear attacks are rare compared to the number of human–bear encounters each year, as brown bears do not hunt humans and typically avoid them.

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The National Park Service said you should play dead if you're attacked by a brown bear. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck and spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over.

Fighting back usually increases the intensity of attacks, but if it persists, officials said you should fight back vigorously.

"Use whatever you have at hand to hit the bear in the face," the National Park Service said.