The peace of a quiet Alaska morning was shattered when a local mother was violently attacked and dragged by a bear just steps from her front door.

On Tuesday, around 5 a.m., 36-year-old Ariean Fabrizio Colton was attacked by a brown bear while she was out for a jog near her new home in Kenai, leaving her with life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment and ongoing recovery, as the Daily Mail reports.

Colton had barely begun her run when she was met with a brutal and unexpected assault steps from home. Only about 50 yards out from her front door, she was suddenly confronted by the bear, which witnesses say emerged from a neighboring property. The animal seized her, dragging her approximately 100 yards down a road to a nearby yard.

Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring confirmed the attacker is believed to be a brown bear, a species native to the area and known for its strength and unpredictability around humans. Authorities say the bear “came out of another property” before the assault and “dragged her approximately 100 yards down the road.” The attack spanned multiple properties and ended only after the bear released Colton in a neighbor’s yard.

Critical injuries sustained

Colton’s injuries were severe enough to require her immediate evacuation to a hospital in Anchorage, approximately 2.5 hours from Kenai by road. She remains hospitalized but in stable condition. Her family, newly relocated to Alaska and adjusting to their new life in the rugged landscape, is now facing an emotional and logistical crisis as they support her recovery over what will likely be an extended period.

A GoFundMe page created by her family describes Ariean as stable but in need of “extensive surgeries and a long hospital stay.” The same page has gathered widespread support, raising more than $40,000 toward a stated goal of $100,000 by Friday afternoon. The donations will help the family cover medical costs and the extended travel between their home and Anchorage.

Loved ones describe Colton as a devoted wife and mother of three, originally from Utah. In addition to being a nurse, she is remembered as someone known for her “adventurous spirit” and “deep appreciation for nature.” The family was reportedly enjoying their new start in Alaska when the attack upended their life.

Search for bear continues

Following the incident, authorities from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, along with state troopers, launched a search for the bear responsible. As of the latest updates, the bear has not yet been found. Wildlife officials are urging residents of the Kenai area to remain cautious until further notice and take steps to prevent additional encounters.

Residents have been specifically advised to properly secure items that could attract bears to homes and properties. These include trash, pet food, and bird feeders — all common temptations for wildlife in the region, especially during late summer when bears are preparing for hibernation.

In this case, there has been no public information confirming that attractants played a role in drawing the bear near the neighborhood, but officials emphasize heightened vigilance all the same. Bear encounters remain an unfortunate risk in Alaska’s more rural and wooded communities.

Community rallies on Colton's behalf

The tragedy has resonated deeply with both Colton’s community in Kenai and those who knew her in Utah. Friends and supporters have described her as “extremely kind-hearted, strong, and resilient,” noting how she often helped others through her nursing and community work. Those traits are now being mirrored by the outpouring of support for her and her family.

Community members are not only sending prayers and donations but also mobilizing efforts to bring attention to the risks associated with wildlife in the area. While attacks like this are rare, their severity demands responsiveness from both local governments and residents to prevent future incidents.

Colton’s family continues to update her supporters through social media and the fundraising campaign as she undergoes medical care. Despite her injuries, loved ones remain hopeful about her recovery, citing her strength and resolve in surviving the attack.

Lessons to learn

Tragic and unpredictable, this incident sheds light on the precautions all residents in bear-active areas should consider. While no one can completely prevent such events, awareness and preparedness can make a critical difference.

1. Prepare before heading out: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially around dawn or dusk when bears are most active. Consider carrying bear spray, making noise during walks or runs, and avoiding routes through heavily wooded or unfamiliar trails.

2. Eliminate bear attractants: Residents need to vigilantly remove potential lures, including unsecured garbage, outdoor pet food, and other scented items. Keeping these secured can reduce the chances of drawing bears into residential areas.

3. Remain alert despite precautions: Even with the best preventive steps, wild animal encounters can still happen. We must never blame the victim for such a tragedy and instead focus efforts on community safety tools, adequate warnings, and resource availability in high-risk regions.

Why This Story Matters

This incident is a stark reminder of the risks that come with living close to nature. It highlights the unpredictable behavior of wildlife and the critical importance of safety awareness in affected communities.

The story also underscores the necessity of local resources, hospital accessibility, and community outreach when emergencies like this occur — especially in remote areas.

Finally, Colton's ordeal reflects the need for ongoing public education, government involvement, and mutual aid to support victims who face severe consequences despite following everyday routines.