Bear kills mining contractor in Alaska

Timberline Drilling employee Anthony David Montoya was killed yesterday after being attacked by a bear on Admiralty Island, approximately 18 miles south of Juneau.

The Hecla Greens Creek Mine, where Montoya was working, produces silver, zinc, lead and gold. The mine is 100% owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company.

Hecla released the statement about the tragedy on the mine’s Facebook page.

The company said the incident occurred at a remote drill site on the surface of the mine property that can only be accessed by helicopter.

Mine personnel are securing the area and working with state and federal authorities to investigate the situation.

Creative commons image of bear courtesy of Fidelis Orozco