HAINES, Alaska – Alaska is filled with remarkable places to spot grizzly bears. Around 30,000 grizzlies live throughout the state. And while that can attract some of the best wildlife photographers, it has a potential to bring in a lot of people who lack respect for wildlife.
The Chilkoot River, which flows into the Lutak Inlet, is an area known for salmon spawning. Lots of bears are attracted to this specific location in search of those salmon, bringing tourists and photographers along with them. This specific location appears to be the Lukat Bridge, right at the end of the river. If you’re going to go bear watching, you need to make sure you understand how to behave around the animals, including how much space to give them.
Bears, like any predator, need to be given a ton of space. Like over 100 yards (300 feet) of space. It always depends on local rules and guidelines, as bears behave differently depending on where they are. But as a guideline, give them at least 100 yards, or the length of 8 school buses. Not 9 feet like the people in this video.
Additionally, if a bear approaches you, you should make noise, allowing it to understand that you’re a human, and back away slowly. Only if the bear continues to follow you as you attempt to slowly back away should you stop and hold your ground. Standing there quietly while trying to photograph the animal is not appropriate. Learn more on what to do if you see a bear below:
Alaska Department of Fish & Game on Spotting A Bear:
- If the bear appears not to have sensed you, move away without alerting it. Keep your eyes on the bear.
- If the bear does notice you, face the bear, stand your ground and talk to it calmly. Let the bear know you are human. Talk in a normal voice. Help the bear recognize you. Try to appear larger by standing close to others in your group or wave your arms slowly above your head. Try to back away slowly, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Prepare your deterrent if you have one.
- If a bear cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
- If you take the above actions and the bear continues to focus on you or approach, you should become more assertive: raise your voice, beat on pans, use noisemakers, throw rocks or sticks. Use your deterrent if you have one. Drive a bear off rather than let it follow you. If you are with others, group together to look big and stand your ground.