The Anchorage Daily News is reporting that the first documented case of a fatal wolf attack in America has been confirmed.Candice Berner, 32, appeares to have been killed Monday evening during a run along a remote road near Chignik Lake on the Alaska Peninsula.
The state medical examiner concluded, following an autopsy Thursday morning, that the cause of death was "multiple injuries due to animal mauling."
Here's part of a statement issued by the Alaska State Troopers:
Investigation has determined that Candice Berner's death was non-criminal in nature. An autopsy conducted today confirmed Ms. Berner died from injuries sustained in an animal attack. According to the State Medical Examiner, the manner of death is "accidental" and the cause of death is "multiple injuries due to animal mauling". After conferring with state biologists and the community of Chignik Lake, it has been concluded that the animals most likely responsible for the attack are wolves. The Alaska State Troopers' (AST) death investigation regarding this incident is closed.
In the wake of the attack, local residents reported they were not traveling alone and children were being accompanied to school.
This is the first documented case of a fatal wolf attack in the United States, and only the second in North America. The other attack, however, occurring in Saskatchewan in 2005, was controversial with many experts believing the person was killed by a black bear.
Please click here for the full story from the Anchorage Daily News.
Jeff
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