At first it was a knifing, then a bear attack, now a moose thumping -- what really injured Alaska man?

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Wildlife officials in Alaska's largest city now believe a moose, and not a bear, caused severe injuries to a man this week.


The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says in a release their investigation at the scene found tracks and hair suggesting the injuries were likely the result of an encounter with a moose.

Police initially thought the bloody man who stumbled out of the woods in Anchorage had been stabbed Wednesday. However, doctors said the wounds more likely from a wildlife encounter.

Police began investigating the incident as a bear mauling. When officials went to the scene Thursday, they killed an aggressive black bear that showed no fear of humans.

But once biologists got back to the scene, they found no evidence a bear had been nearby. Later discussions with Anchorage police also indicated an agitated moose had been seen in the area.

The victim remains hospitalized with "serious injuries" and police have been unable to interview him.