Bear Kills Alaskan on Kenai Peninsula

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Kenneth Cates, who had gone for a hike near his home in Soldotna, was killed by a bear, Alaska state troopers said Wednesday.

Searchers found the body of Cates, 53, about six miles up a horse trail near the Kenai Peninsula town, the troopers said. Indications were that Cates was killed Tuesday afternoon or evening.

“The fact that this was a single wound to the head indicates that it was a defensive attack,” said a spokesman for the Department of Fish and Game. “This was not a bear that was looking for dinner.”

Troopers found Cates’ rifle nearby, along with two shell casings and some blood.