A US soldier has died after being mauled by a bear while on a training exercise, officials have confirmed.
The soldier, who has not been named, was stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska when the tragedy happened.
Few details have been released about yesterday's incident, and it is not known whether any others were also attacked by the animal.
Wildlife troopers are searching for the bear, it was revealed.
In a short statement bosses at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson said the soldier was training with a small group at the Anchorage Regional Landfill.
The area has been closed to the public to prevent further bear attacks.
A statement from the base said: "A US Army Alaska soldier died of injuries sustained in a 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 412.
"The name of the soldier is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification."
The statement confirmed that a search for the bear that carried out the attack was ongoing. It is not clear what type of bear it was, or what would happen to it if it is apprehended.
It says: "The 673d Security Forces Squadron initially responded to the incident.
"Alaska Wildlife Troopers are currently searching for the bear in TA 412, which is closed to the public for all recreation activity.
"More information about the incident will be announced as it becomes available."
