Originally published Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Park researchers shoot aggressive bear

A remote section of Denali National Park is closed to the public after researchers shot an aggressive bear that then disappeared in dense brush.

By The Associated Press

Denali National Park

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A remote section of Denali National Park is closed to the public after researchers shot an aggressive bear that then disappeared in dense brush.

Park officials say the black bear charged the three researchers who had been conducting a botany study along the McKinley River.

The bear approached the team's field camp late Friday. The workers initially chased the animal off, but it circled their camp several times, clawing one of their tents at some point.

Officials say the animal then charged the researchers, who unsuccessfully tried to divert it with pepper spray. A researcher fired at the bear with a shotgun when it charged to within 20 feet.

The workers were unable to find the bear, despite following its trail of blood. A later air search also failed to spot the animal.

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