Walla Walla man recovering at home after surviving Alaska bear attack
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — A 27-year-old Walla Walla man is recovering at home after surviving a brown bear attack last week during a caribou hunting trip roughly 100 miles outside of Deadhorse, Alaska.
Jadon Nicoara suffered severe injuries to his face, hands, and feet when the animal charged out of a bush and attacked him on Aug. 27. His cousin and hunting partner diverted the bear by firing shots from a handgun. After the animal turned on the cousin, biting his legs, Nicoara fired his own handgun to drive the bear away.
Nicoara and his cousin were airlifted to Anchorage before being transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for emergency treatment. The cousin is expected to make a full recovery.
Photo of Jadon Nicoara following the brown bear attack
Despite extensive fractures to his face and nasal structure, Nicoara did not lose his vision or any limbs. Family members reported that he is resting at home and showing daily improvements in swelling, movement, and pain management, with no signs of infection in his wounds.
“Jadon and Katie have been overwhelmed with all the love, prayers and generosity of so many,” a family member said in an update.
Nicoara is scheduled to return to Harborview Medical Center next Wednesday for a consultation, with facial reconstruction surgery anticipated the following day.
The father of two described his survival as a miracle, drawing comfort from his faith during the ordeal. Bear attacks of this nature remain extremely rare, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Top: Area where bear attack occurred about 100 miles outside Deadhorse, Alaska (Photos courtesy Jadon Nicoara)
