Alaska is the only U.S. state with a flourishing population of all three species of North American bears. Both residents and visitors frequently spot the animals in the wild, but even when one isn’t in view, there’s a good chance there’s one somewhere nearby.
The grizzly bears of Alaska are typically split into two subspecies, brown bears and Kodiak bears. Kodiak bears have been separated from the mainland brown bears for about 12,000 years, living on the Kodiak Archipelago since the last ice age. Alaska’s grizzly bears can grow up to 1,500 pounds.
Most of the time grizzlies will avoid humans as much as possible, but attacks do happen often because a bear is attempting to protect its cubs or a food source. It’s not exactly clear what sparked this bear to chase after this snowmobiler, but it’s a good thing he was able to get away.
Grizzly bears are found nearly everywhere in Alaska, and understanding how to stay safe around them is key to travel in northernmost state. Bears should never be approached, and should always be given plenty of space. Most of the time this means at least 100 yards, or 300 feet, but the space can depend on the animal. Bringing a bear deterrent, like bear spray, and understanding how to use it can also help to keep people safe in bear country. Read more on bear safety below.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Guidelines To Avoid Bear Encounters:
It’s best to understand what bears need and avoid bears whenever possible. You can do this by keeping a clean camp and home, and by following bear safety advice when recreating or working in bear country.
Never Approach Bears—Give Them Space
- Every bear has a “personal space”– the distance within which the bear feels threatened. If you enter that space, the bear may become aggressive.
- Give female bears extra space. Female bears are especially fierce defenders of their young and may respond aggressively if they perceive a threat to their cubs.
- When photographing bears, use your zoom; getting close could put you in danger.
- Bears, like humans, use trails and roads. Don’t set up camp close to a trail they might use.
- Avoid areas where you see or smell carcasses of fish or other animals, or see scavengers congregated. A bear’s food may be near. If the bear is around, it may defend its cache aggressively.
Don’t Surprise a Bear
- Make noise, sing or talk loudly. Always let bears know you are there.
- Avoid thick brush whenever possible. When the terrain or vegetation makes it hard to see, make extra noise.
- Hike in a group; groups are easier for bears to detect.
- Walk with the wind at your back, if possible. Bears can see almost as well as people, but trust their noses more than their eyes or ears.
Don’t Feed Bears
- Bears have only a few months to build up fat reserves for a long winter in dens and are always looking for something to eat. Don’t let them learn that human food or garbage is an easy meal. It is foolish and illegal to feed bears, either on purpose or by not securing food or garbage away from bears.
- Keep a clean camp. Wash your dishes. Avoid smelly and greasy foods such as bacon or smoked fish. Keep food smells off your clothing.
- Cook away from your tent. Store all food away from your campsite. Hang food out of reach of bears. If no trees are available, store your food in airtight or specially designed bear-resistant containers.
- Burn food waste completely in a hot fire. Pack everything else out. Food and garbage are equally attractive to a bear so treat them with equal care.
- Remember, pets and their food may also attract bears.
- Odorous items such as toothpaste, toiletry items and even gasoline should be stored away from your campsite and out of reach of bears.
Don’t Fish for Bears
- If a bear learns it can obtain fish just by approaching anglers, it will return for more.
- If a bear approaches you while you are fishing, stop fishing.
- If a bear approaches and you have a fish on your line, give the line slack so the fish doesn’t splash—or if need be, cut your line.