Teens survive bear attack in Alaska during outdoor skills course

This is a terrifying end to what sounds like an amazing trip.

I read this Reuters story today but turns out it was a few weeks old (my only excuse for missing an interesting bear story was I was counting down to my vacation) but I still think it makes for a good post.

Last month a group of teenagers was attacked by a Grizzly bear during the last week of a 30-day backpacking and wilderness-skills course in Alaska. The group of seven was walking single file and preparing to cross a river when the bear -- who was with a cub -- charged.

Two 17-year-old boys, from New York and Denver, suffered the worst bites during the attack. Several other were treated for less serious injuries, exhaustion and exposure.

They were carrying an emergency beacon, and another training group was nearby.

The events are organized by the National Outdoor Leadership School based on Wyoming. They told Reuters this is the first time in 40 years of running similar expeditions that a bear has attacked.