Woman survives terrifying grizzly bear attack

A YOUNG woman has managed to fend off a grizzly bear after it pinned her down and mauled her in an unprovoked attack. Find out how she escaped.

Caught unawares ... Gabrielle Markel was out jogging when a bear, similar to this one, attacked. Picture: Michael Blackburn

A YOUNG woman was mauled by a grizzly bear in Alaska, while she and a friend were out jogging.

Gabrielle Markel, 20, was running along a trail with co-worker Kaitlin Haley, 26, around 4.30pm when the brown bear appeared out of nearby brush and attacked.

Ms Markel, who works at the Alaska Wildland Adventures lodge, attempted to repel the animal with pepper spray, while Ms Haley ran for help.

Walked away ... Gabrielle Markel used pepper spray to defend herself when a brown bear attacked. Picture: Facebook

“Haley ran from the scene back to the lodge for help, the bear was still on top of Markel when Haley last saw her,” Alaska State Troopers wrote in an online post about the incident.

“Haley and several other employees ran from the lodge back to the scene of the attack armed with bear spray. As they were advancing up the trail, they saw Markel walking towards them.”

Ms Markel was taken to Providence Alaska Medical Center, where she was treated for bites and scratches on her head, back and arm. She is reported to be in a good condition.

Unprovoked attacked ... It is unknown exactly why the bear attacked Gabrielle Markel. Picture: Facebook

It is believe the women may have startled the bear, leading to the attack.

“We do see bears occasionally on the trail,” Tom Timmel, the general manager of the lodge told Alaska Dispatch News, “but it’s not one where we’re constantly on the lookout. In Alaska, there are bears.”

The trail will remain closed until other factors that may have contributed to the attack, such as animal carcasses in the area, have been ruled out.