Not likely one is carrying a can of bear spray when when bathing naked but if you’re skinny dipping one of the 69 islands that comprise the Aleutian Archipelago, holstering one on a belt is wise move.
The following video was captured during the filming of award winning documentary “Kayaking the Aleutians” chronicling 101 day, 1500 mile paddle by Justine Curgenven and Sarah Outen, extending the length of the remote and stormy Aleutian Islands stretching from Russia to Alaska.
Somewhere along the line they decided to freshen up in a river and Sarah found herself in the precarious situation of facing a grizzly bear while naked. Thankfully the Sarah was able to deter the grizzly by yelling and throwing rocks while retreating with her clothes and shampoo in hand.
Here is the trailer to the “Kayaking the Aleutians” film:
Alaska Fish & Game Bear Encounter Safety Guidelines:
If a bear hears or sees you coming in its direction, the bear will almost always move away from you. You may never see or hear that bear.
If you see a bear that DOES NOT notice you:
- Stay calm — Quietly leave the area from the same direction you arrived. Have your deterrent ready and keep your eyes on the bear.
If a bear DOES notice you:
- Ready your deterrent — Hunters are likely to be carrying a firearm or bow. Consider carrying a second deterrent such as bear spray and have it accessible.
- Stay calm — Face the bear, stand your ground, and talk to it calmly. Your voice helps the bear identify you as human.
- Look big — Slowly raise your arms overhead so you appear larger. If your hunting partner is close by, stand side-by-side; this is another way to make yourselves look larger.
- Don’t run — Running may elicit a chase response.
- Watch the bear — If the bear approaches, try to determine whether it is acting defensively or non-defensively. You should continue to stand your ground, but in an encounter, your response will be different depending on the behavior of the bear.