Alaska moose hunter miraculously survives ambush brown bear attack, says he 'blacked out'

Brown Bear Attack Leaves Moose Hunter Bruised but Unbroken in Alaska

A moose‑hunting trip near Alaska’s Killey River turned into a tense encounter when a brown bear charged a hunter from about ten feet away on September 2. The incident left the hunter, 32‑year‑old Gavin Ha Haakenson, with a shredded jacket, a bruised shoulder and a story that he could only remember in fragments.

Ha Haakenson and his friend Ethan Yeager were out scouting for moose when the bear appeared. “I heard a noise to my right and looked over,” the hunter told Outdoor Life. “There was a brown bear charging me at full speed. It was super close, maybe 10 feet, when I saw it. It was growling extremely loud, a terrifying noise. I saw its face. Its teeth were out. It hit me in the shoulder and knocked me down.” He added that the memory of what happened next was abruptly cut off.

“Last thing I remember was trying to shoulder my rifle and the bear jumping at me,” Ha Haakenson said. “Then I don’t remember what happened. That’s when my blackout started.” Yeager, who was holding a handgun, fired a warning shot as the bear pinned Ha Haakenson beneath it. The animal eventually released its grip and fled, while Yeager continued firing until it was out of the area. The whole exchange, according to Ha Haakenson, took less than ten seconds.

After the bear retreated, the two hunters hurried back to their vehicle, shouting “Hey bear!” in a mixture of fear and disbelief. Ha Haakenson emerged from the ordeal with only a shredded jacket, bruises on his shoulder, and a damaged rifle; no broken bones or serious injuries were reported. He said he was thankful the black‑out spared him from remembering the most terrifying part of the attack. “I’m glad I blacked out and don’t remember the bear being on top of me. The thought of ‘what if’ is what keeps me up,” he said.

Wildlife officers later searched the area for the bear, but the animal was not located. Ha Haakenson has not ruled out returning to the site to find the creature. “I’d like to go out and find this brown bear and shoot it, but how much do I want to make my mother worry?” he said. “And how angry will this brown bear be when it sees me?” He added that, after the first encounter, he was uncertain about any future pursuit.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in Alaska, where large bears are often encountered by hunters, hikers, and residents. While bear attacks on humans are relatively rare, they can occur when a bear feels threatened or is surprised. The Killey River area, located in the northern part of the state, is known for its moose population and rugged terrain, making it a popular hunting destination.

Ha Haakenson’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant in bear country. Experts recommend carrying bear spray, making noise while moving, and keeping a safe distance from wildlife. In the event of a bear encounter, experts advise remaining calm, avoiding direct eye contact, and slowly backing away if possible. If a bear charges, a hunter should try to put a physical barrier between themselves and the animal, and consider using a weapon only as a last resort.

For now, the brown bear that stalked Ha Haakenson remains unaccounted for, and the hunter is left with a story of survival that he can only piece together from the fragments that remain.