Soldier Killed By Bear Identified: 30-Year-Old Served In Afghanistan

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK — A soldier killed by a bear earlier this week during a training exercise in Alaska has been identified as a 30-year-old man who served in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Seth Michael Plant, an infantryman from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, died after he was mauled by a bear Tuesday in Training Area 412, west of Anchorage Regional Landfill, according to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Another soldier suffered minor injuries in the attack.

Plant was from St. Augustine, Florida, and joined the Army in 2015. He served at Fort Benning in Georgia and Fort Bragg in North Carolina before coming to Alaska in 2021, according to the base.

“Staff Sgt. Plant was an integral part of our organization,” Lt. Col. David Nelson, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said in a news release from the base. “He always had a smile on his face, he always went above and beyond what was asked of him, and he served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know him.”

Plant received many decorations for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Authorities continue to investigate Tuesday's attack, which they believe was committed by a female brown bear protecting her cubs, the Anchorage Daily News reported. The bear had not been located as of late Thursday but it may be killed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, according to the Daily News.