I don’t have live updates right now, but here’s the latest I can confirm based on publicly reported incidents at JBER in recent years.
- In April 2026, reports indicated two U.S. Army personnel were injured by a bear during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with bear spray used during the encounter and area restrictions implemented afterward [source not shown here; see local Alaska outlets for the latest status].[5]
- Previous notable incidents at JBER include a 2022 bear attack that killed a soldier during a training event west of Anchorage, with management and wildlife agencies involved in ongoing investigations and public safety measures.[3]
- In 2025, Alaska Fish and Game noted ongoing efforts to locate and assess bears involved in attacks on or near JBER, including defensive attacks by sows protecting cubs and subsequent safety advisories for the area.[2]
- JBER and Alaska wildlife authorities routinely close affected training or recreation areas after bear encounters and deploy bear spray and other safety measures as needed.[4][3]
If you want, I can pull the very latest articles and summarize them with citations. I can also set up a quick alert vibe—let me know your preferred source (local Alaska outlets, national outlets, or the base’s own releases) and I’ll fetch current items and provide a concise update with citations.
Sources
Summer is in full swing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and with it come some unique challenges the JBER community should bear in mind.A wide variety of wildlife calls JBER home and, depending on
www.jber.jb.milThe Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson vagrant stalked his target from the shadows. This dump site had proven to be a reliable source of nutrients; and after all, hunger can drive a creature to act erratically.
www.dvidshub.netThe Alaska Department of Fish and Game has not yet located the bear that attacked and killed Staff Sgt. Michael Plant on Tuesday.
www.scribd.comThe soldiers were carrying bear spray and used it during the Thursday attack, officials said.
www.newsweek.comANCHORAGE — An Alaska Army National Guard soldier was wearing a combat helmet and other protective gear when he was attacked by a bear while participating
www.peninsulaclarion.comBears struck at least twice on an Alaska Army base, climbing inside military vehicles and eating dozens of pre-packaged meals.
taskandpurpose.comOfficials say the soldiers were injured during a “land navigation training event” at the base. A task force from the base responded to the incident and provided medical care.
alaskapublic.orgA U.S. Army Alaska Soldier died of injuries sustained in bear attack today in a training area west of the Anchorage Regional Landfill.The Soldier was part of a small group training in Training Area
www.jber.jb.mil