A bear attacked a 14-year-old girl who was participating at an all-night mountain bicycle race. The teen rider suffered severe wounds early Sunday when the wild beast attacked her on a trail, authorities said.

A team of medics arrived at the scene where the bear had mauled the young girl and found her in critical conditions. The medics were escorted into the woods by police personnel with shotguns. They had to hike more than two miles to rescue the girl.

"She was cut up and bit pretty good," said Anchorage Police Officer Jean Mills.

The girl was attacked during the night, but despite the severe injuries she managed to make a 911 call that eventually rescued her. She was unable to communicate. Another rider found her lying on the ground at about 1:30 a.m. The bicyclist said the girl could utter only one word: "Bear."

She suffered severe injuries to her head, neck, torso and legs. She was rushed to the Providence Alaska Medical Center where she underwent surgery. She is now in critical condition, police said.

The bear attacked during a trail in the 24-hour race put on by the Arctic Bicycle Club in Bicentennial Park. Approximately 60 bicycle riders entered the race which began at noon Saturday and was to end at noon Sunday. Officials canceled the race after the horrific attack.

Police officials wouldn’t release the victim’s identity. About two weeks ago, a similar attack occurred. A grizzly bear charged two runners on a nearby trail in Far North Bicentennial Park. Rick Sinnott of the state Department of Fish and Game believes it could have been the same bear.