by The Associated Press
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Coast Guard says one of its helicopter crews rescued a hiker at Passage Canal near Whittier after he became stranded trying to avoid two bears.
The Coast Guard says Michael Randall was rescued early Tuesday morning.
Coast Guard officials say Randall jumped from a cliff to the water after he encountered the bears on a trail.
According to officials, Randall tried to climb back but made it only part of the way up.
Whittier police were among authorities who called the Coast Guard around midnight.
Officials say Randall made his way to a beach and started a small fire while the helicopter was en route from Kodiak.
He was in good condition when he was rescued.
