The Alaska State Troopers received a report of a polar bear attack in Wales on January 17, 2023, at 2:30 pm. Initial reports indicate that a polar bear had entered the community and had chased multiple residents. The bear fatally attacked an adult female and juvenile male – it was shot and killed by a local resident as it attacked the pair.
Poor weather conditions in the region and the lack of runway lights in Wales prevented Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel from making it to Wales. Troopers are continuing to make efforts to fly to Wales today (1/18/23). The adult female killed in the attack is identified as 24-year-old Saint Michael resident Summer Myomick. The juvenile is identified as her 1-year-old son Clyde Ongtowasruk. Next of kin has been notified. The attack reportedly occurred in the village near the school. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been notified of the incident.
An Alaska State Trooper and a representative from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game were able to travel to Wales on 1/18/23 to investigate the polar bear attack that occurred. The remains of Myomick and Ongtowasruk were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. The investigation revealed that Myomick and Ongtowasruk were walking between the school and the clinic when the bear attacked them. Condolences to the families and community of Myomick and Ongtowasruk.
