The trail where a young woman was mauled earlier this week reopened by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge today.
Deputy Refuge Manager Steve Miller said the circumstances surrounding the mauling on Cottonwood Creek Trail are still being investigated.
Miller: “Two people went out there yesterday, they did not find anything and we sent out a larger crew today as well to get a bit farther back away from the trail. We did go ahead and open Cottonwood Creek Trail today for the public to use, we still have some warning signs up there notifying the public that a bear has been spotted in the area and a mauling did occur.”
Miller gave tips for people on any trails of the Kenai Peninsula.
Miller: “People just need to be bear aware, 12 months out of the year bears can occur anytime, especially this time, especially around salmon streams, so make sure you are bear aware and make sure you are making noise while out hiking or doing any other recreation activity and be safe.”
20-year-old Gabrielle Markel received bites and scratches to her head, arms, and torso during the mauling Tuesday evening.
The refuge ruled that attack defensive based on the injuries sustained.
