North

Black bear that mauled Alaska teen to death is killed

Alaska wildlife officials say a black bear believed to have mauled a 16-year-old to death during a weekend mountain race has been shot and killed along with three other black bears.

Bear believed responsible for death of runner Patrick Cooper of Anchorage on Sunday

A sign warns people that the trail head is closed on Monday, June 19, 2017, after a fatal bear mauling at Bird Ridge Trail in Anchorage, Alaska. The black bear that killed a 16-year-old runner has been put down, authorities say. (Mark Thiessen/The Associated Press)

Alaska wildlife officials say a black bear believed to have mauled a 16-year-old to death during a weekend mountain race has been shot and killed along with three other black bears.

State Fish and Game officials say the bear was killed Tuesday evening in the area south of Anchorage.

The bear is believed responsible for the Sunday death of Patrick Cooper of Anchorage.

The three other bears were shot near the site of the mauling.

The teen was attacked after he got lost and veered off the trail during the juniors division of the Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb race.

The boy's body was found about at about 457 vertical meters, with the bear guarding the body. A park ranger had shot the animal, but it ran away.