Haines resident Toni Smith is receiving treatment in a Juneau hospital after she was attacked by a bear early Saturday morning.
Smith had been walking her dog when she encountered the bear on Mt. Riley Road, between the intersection with FAA Road and the steep incline commonly known as the sledding hill.
After the attack, Smith was able to walk back to her home, and from there called 911 at 6:23 a.m.
The Haines Volunteer Fire Department responded and took her by ambulance to the Haines SEARHC clinic. A medevac service attempted to fly Smith to Juneau Saturday but was unable to land in Haines due to weather, said Haines fire chief Zak Overmyer.
Weather cleared on Sunday and Smith was flown to a Juneau hospital Sunday afternoon.
Family member Sherri Maust said Smith underwent surgery to clean and stitch wounds, and would likely be staying in the hospital “for some time” for more treatment.
Maust posted an online fundraiser to cover Smith’s medical bills and work missed during her ongoing hospital stay. As of Monday afternoon, more than $14,000 had been raised.
Maust said she and the rest of her family have been “grateful and awed by the love and support pouring in” from the community.