USCG Medevacs Hunter Mauled by Bear near Juneau, Alaska

A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 57-year-old hunter after he was mauled by a bear while hunting on Admiralty Island near Juneau Friday.

The aircrew hoisted the hunter and transferred him to local emergency medical services personnel in Juneau.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau command center watchstanders were notified at 11:27 p.m. Thursday by a crewmember from the vessel Sultana that a bear had mauled a member of their hunting party.  The hunter was reported to have multiple puncture wounds.

Watchstanders launched the Jayhawk aircrew to the scene.

"This rescue is a reminder of the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency," said Petty Officer 1st Class Georgette Lopez, Sector Juneau watchstander. "This includes ensuring that everyone who ventures into the Alaska wilderness has a reliable means of communication should the need to call for help arise."

The weather on scene at the time of the medevac was reported as 3-mph winds and approximately eight nautical miles of visibility.