The 32-year-old man was with a hunting companion who opened fire during the attack - however it is not clear who fired the shot which caused the injury.

The 32-year-old man was seriously injured in both the mauling and the shooting on the Kenai Peninsula on Saturday, Alaska State Troopers said.

The man was with a hunting companion who opened fire during the attack in a remote area near the Resurrection Pass trail.

However, it is not clear who fired the shot which struck the man as he tried to fight the bear off, Alaska State Troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain said.

The injured hunter, whose identity was not immediately released, was flown by helicopter to a hospital in the city of Anchorage.