One soldier was killed and another was injured after a bear attack at an Army base in Alaska, officials said Thursday.

Staff Sgt. Seth Plant, 30, an infantryman from the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was mauled by the bear on Tuesday while working at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, according to the base. Plant was transported to the Army base hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

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"Staff Sgt. Plant was an integral part of our organization. He was a positive and dedicated leader who brought joy and energy to the paratroopers who served with him,” said Lt. Col. David Nelson, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment commander, in a statement 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."

Another soldier sustained minor injuries in the attack and has since been released from the hospital, the statement added.

The incident was likely a defensive attack, wildlife officials believe, as a bear den that's home to two brown bear cubs was found near the site.

"From everything we know so far, based on the scene investigation and information from other responding agencies, this appears to be a defensive attack by a female bear protecting her cubs,” said Cyndi Wardlow, south-central regional supervisor for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, in a statement obtained by CNN.

If a bear is considered a public threat or involved in a fatal attack, it may be killed, the department said.

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Plant was a well-decorated soldier who had received numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal, among others.

Army personnel, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and others are investigating the attack.