A survivalist accused of ambushing two state troopers, killing one and seriously wounding the other, has been captured by US marshals near an abandoned aircraft hangar.

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Eric Frein, who meekly gave himself up when surrounded, ending a seven-week manhunt in Pennsylvania

State police said they did not know whether Frein, who was unarmed when captured, had been using the hangar as a shelter during his 48 days on the run and they would not say what they found there.

Survivalism is a movement actively preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international. Survivalists often acquire emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become self-sufficiento help them survive a catastrophe.

Frein's capture ended weeks of tension in the area, as authorities at times closed schools, cancelled outdoor events and blockaded roads to pursue him.