Alaskan Jogger's Harrowing Escape: Dragged 100 Yards by a Bear in Predawn Terror

In a chilling predawn encounter that reads like a scene from a survival thriller, an Alaskan man jogging near his home was violently attacked and dragged 100 yards by a brown bear, miraculously surviving thanks to his quick wit and the heroic intervention of a family member.

Patrick Cooper, 50, embarked on his routine morning run around 5:30 AM in the Eagle River area of Anchorage, a time when the world was still cloaked in shadows and silence.

As he neared his own driveway, the quiet solitude was shattered by the sudden, terrifying appearance of a massive brown bear. Before Cooper could react, the powerful predator was upon him.

The bear, described as a large sow, lunged at Cooper, knocking him to the ground. What followed was a harrowing struggle for life as the animal clamped down, dragging him approximately 100 yards into the dense brush.

Cooper, drawing upon instinct and perhaps past knowledge of bear encounters, made the critical decision to play dead. He lay motionless, enduring the mauling, hoping the bear would eventually lose interest.

His desperate calls for help, though muffled, reached his brother-in-law, Michael Cooper, who was inside the nearby home.

Hearing the commotion and the distinct sounds of a struggle, Michael wasted no time. Grabbing a firearm, he rushed outside, shouting and firing a warning shot into the air. The loud crack of the gun proved to be the critical deterrent. Startled by the noise, the bear released Patrick and retreated into the wilderness, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared.

Rushed to the hospital, Patrick Cooper sustained significant injuries, including multiple puncture wounds and severe lacerations to his head, arms, and torso.

Despite the gravity of the attack, he was reported to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery, a testament to his incredible resilience and the timely rescue.

Following the incident, Alaska Fish and Game officials launched an investigation and began tracking the aggressive bear. While such attacks are rare, they serve as a stark reminder of the wild nature that coexists with human habitation in Alaska.

This terrifying ordeal underscores the importance of bear awareness and preparedness, even in seemingly familiar surroundings. Patrick Cooper's story stands as a chilling yet inspiring account of survival against the raw power of nature.