Alaska runner hospitalized after using bear spray to fight off brown bear on Alaska trail

A runner was hospitalized in Alaska after fending off a bear attack in Anchorage this week.

The woman, who was running by herself at Prospect Heights’ Wolverine Bowl trail, was able to get away from the brown bear by using her bear spray, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

BEAR ATTACK IN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK LEAVES 2 HIKERS INJURED Biologists went to the site of the attack and collected samples but no bears were seen.

The department said anyone who sees a bear or another wild animal acting aggressively or unusually should report it.

Warning signs have been posted at the Prospect Heights trailhead, the departmet said, adding that hikers should stay off closed trails.

"Thick, dense summer foliage can block sightlines, making surprise encounters more likely," the department said.

"Choose hiking routes with good visibility and away from known attractants, like salmon-bearing streams." When hiking in bear country, people should carry a deterrent such as bear spray or a firearm, stay in groups, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, stay alert for signs of bears, don’t approach bears and keep pets on a leash .

WOMAN ATTACKED BY BROWN BEAR WHILE HIKING WITH FRIEND AND 3 DOGS NEAR ALASKA STATE PARK "If you surprise a bear, especially one with cubs or on a food cache, it may react in a threatened or defensive manner," the department said.

"The bear may be agitated and may huff, stomp, make a popping sound with its teeth, salivate or lay its ears back against its head and charge." They urged staying calm, standing your ground, readying deterrent, staying in a group and talking calmly.

Never run.

"If the bear is stationary, move away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear," the department said.

"If the bear starts to move toward you or charges, stop and stand your ground.

Let the bear know you are not a threat.