Alaska is home to the largest population of grizzly bears in the United States with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 living in the state. This represents around 98% of U.S. grizzlies and 70-80% of the overall North American grizzly bear population. Grizzly bears live throughout Alaska except on a few islands, with the highest densities occurring in coastal areas where ample food sources like salmon are abundant.
Anyone traveling in Alaska’s backcountry should be prepared for a grizzly bear encounter and that includes snowmobilers. The following video was taken by Dillingham, Alaska resident Caden Smeaton who was surprised to see a grizzly bear hot on his trail while out for a ride.
Thankfully Caden’s snowmobile was able to outrun the grizzly bear as it followed in his tracks but if there had been a mechanical issue this could have gone a different way. Learn more about grizzly bear safety in Alaska below.
Alaska Department of Fish & Game Grizzly Bear Encounter Guidelines:
If you see a bear, avoid it and give the bear every opportunity to avoid you. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and try to observe what the bear is doing. Chances are good you are not in danger. Most bears are interested only in protecting food, cubs or their “personal space.” Once they feel there is no threat, they will move on. Remember the following:
If You See 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.
Surprise Encounters
- If you surprise a bear at close distance, it may feel threatened and act defensively, especially if it has cubs or food. Continue to stand your ground. If the bear moves away, walk away slowly, keeping your eyes on the bear. Increase your distance.
Never Run
- You can’t outrun a bear. Bears can run much faster than a sprinter and, like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. A charging bear might come within a few feet before running off. It’s important to stand your ground.