ranger

Each year the locals would string up the swing; each year the rangers would cut it down.

The National Park Service said in a statement that they were investigating the incident and "park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately."

Witnesses said park rangers, many of whom are exempt from the furloughs, arrived at the scene shortly after the accident.

Park rangers at Alaska's Katmai National Park, home to some of the largest brown bears in the world, praised Chunk's resilience in learning how to fish with his injury.

Federal lands, including National Parks and National Forests, have been closed off to visitors during past shutdowns, since the rangers and other employees were asked to stay at home.