Bystander hit as Seward police shoot bear

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A bystander was accidentally shot in the abdomen while police were responding to a wildlife call Thursday night in Seward.

At 10 p.m., Seward police responded to the small boat harbor and attempted to drive a black bear away. Police thought the bear was a public safety hazard and decided to euthanize the bear.

One shotgun slug round exited the bear and struck a bystander. He was treated and released from the hospital in good condition.

According to police, Seward has had an extremely high number of black bears in the city. Officials urge people to be cautious and keep garbage cans secure.