A Hoonah man is continuing his recovery today in Juneau after a brown bear attack Saturday on Chichagof Island during a deer hunting expedition.
Bartlett Regional Hospital spokesperson Katie Bausler said that Josh Dybdahl, 30, remains “in good condition with multiple puncture wounds, but non-life-threatening.” Bausler said she did not know exactly what time Dybdahl was admitted to the hospital, but according to an Alaska State Trooper dispatch the attack took place at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Troopers said that Dybdahl was near Neka Bay during the attack, just southwest of Hoonah. He was accompanied by a Juneau man, Anthony Lindoff, 36, and the two were preparing to call for deer when they told troopers they heard a “whoof” sound just before a brown bear charged at them from a nearby brush. According to the dispatch report, Dybdahl was pinned to the ground by the bear. Lindoff was able to reach for his rifle and killed the bear, according to the dispatch. The AST investigation revealed that two cubs were traveling with the sow bear.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter picked the men up and transported them to BRH for treatment.
Troopers said the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has been notified of the incident.
Dybdahl did not immediately respond to the Empire’s request for an interview by the time this story was filed.
• Contact reporter Paula Ann Solis at 523-2272 or paula.solis@juneauempire.com.
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