Hiker Says He Fought Off Bear By Burying Ice Ax In Animal's Back

[matcom]

<snip>

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Officials closed a backcountry area of Denali National Park after a hiker told rangers he had driven off an attacking grizzly bear by burying his ice ax in the animal's back.

Park Service spokeswoman Kris Fister said Roberto Cataldo, 29, of Modena, Italy, reported the encounter Monday. A roughly 50-square-mile tract that encompasses the area where Cataldo said he had hiked was closed indefinitely.

Fister said much of what Cataldo told rangers has not been corroborated, but the park had to take protective measures. A wounded bear "poses a threat to anyone going into the area," she said Thursday.

Cataldo was treated for scratches on his left forearm Tuesday and was questioned by Park Service rangers. Fister did not know Thursday if Cataldo was still in the park, which is about 175 miles from Anchorage.

Cataldo told rangers he was about to photograph caribou when he heard something behind him. He turned and saw a grizzly bear with two cubs 40 to 50 feet away.

http://www.wftv.com/newsofthestrange/3623997/detail.html

[the Kelly Gang]

1. glad he is OK but I cannot bear animals being harmed in their habitat

[Surf Cowboy]

2. How do you feel about

photographers being eaten in a bear's habitat?

[Bridget Burke]

4. Do you support the right to arm bears?

(sorry, couldn't resist)

[johnnie]

3. Ouch for the bear

Other bears better beware of the bare bear bearing an ax out of his back.