Haines woman seriously injured by bear on Mt. Riley Road

A Haines woman is being treated in Juneau for serious injuries after a bear attacked her on Mt. Riley Road early Saturday. Investigators found food waste dumped near the road that may have drawn the animal.

She was walking a leashed dog when the bear came at her from behind. After it retreated she made it home and called 911. Her injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

Fish and Game biologists returned to the site with an Alaska Wildlife Trooper and Haines police. Bear sign was there, but no bears. The initial read is that the animal reacted defensively rather than hunting her.

Early reports described a brown bear. Samples from the scene are going to the state's Gene Conservation Lab in Anchorage, which will confirm the species and sex and may identify the individual bear. No date has been set for results.

The Haines Borough has closed the Lily Lake Trail, with no reopening date.

Fish and Game is asking Haines residents to secure what draws bears in: dispose of fish carcasses and other waste properly, and keep garbage, livestock feed and pet food indoors. The department also recommends carrying bear spray or a firearm and knowing how to use it, traveling in groups, making noise on trails, and keeping pets leashed.