Bears

It is easy to forget that Anchorage is bear country. Last year three people were mauled by brown bears on area trails, leading ACE and others to take action to help reduce the risks to recreationalists who are out enjoying our backyard parks and trails.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself, your family and friends while recreating:

• Make Noise - so you don't surprise a bear. Most bears will flee at the sound of humans approaching.  Give them that chance. Bear bells are available at many local stores.

• Buddy Up - you are safer in a group.  Research has proven that those who travel with others reduce their chances of a bear encounter.  Stay aware- unplug from headphones, look around for signs of bears, pay attention!  Your outdoor experience will be enhanced if you tune in to your surroundings, and you will be safer.

• High Speed=High Risk – when biking or running, especially along creeks, in heavy vegetation and on blind corners take time to make noise and slow down.

• Leash Your Pet - or leave it at home, especially if your pet likes to roam or chase wildlife.   Dogs can aggravate bears and then bring them back to you.

• Carry Bear Spray - have it accessible and know how to use it. Bear pepper spray is an effective deterrent.

• Don't Feed Bears - not only is it illegal to feed bears, but it conditions them to associate humans with food.  This includes garbage, fish waste, birdfeeders and livestock.  It is your responsibility to help keep your neighbors safe by securing all attractants.

• Never Run - from a bear.  This triggers a bear’s natural instinct to chase.  It is helpful to rehearse with your buddies before leaving the trailhead what you will do in the event that you see a bear.  If you do happen to come across a bear, do not approach it. Slowly back away while watching the bear. Bears are curious animals and they will sometimes approach you. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, present a united front, make yourselves look big by holding your arms up, and identify yourself.  If it continues to approach, try to scare it off by yelling, shouting, clapping your hands. Meanwhile get your bear spray out and be ready to use it.

• Seasonally avoid salmon streams where bears are known to congregate.

Using these tips will greatly reduce your chances of having a negative bear encounter. Fewer bear encounters will also greatly help our local bears and will help prevent future measures to eliminate them from our area parks and trails.

For information on bear-resistant tipper carts and dumpster lids, go to: http://www.alaskawaste.net/bear.htm