Alaska has a unique distinction as the only state in the union with flourishing populations of all three species of North American bears (black bears, grizzly bears, polar bears). Unless you reside in one it’s few urban areas, living in Alaska means living in bear country.
Being “bear aware” is critical to safe recreation in Alaska and that includes folks who enjoy snowmobiling around the vast wilderness areas of our largest and northernmost state. Although grizzly bears hibernate during the winter months, there is some overlap of when theses apex predators are active and when snowmobilers are buzzing around. In short snowmobilers and grizzly bears can and do cross paths as evidenced by the below video.
Difficult to tell if this grizzly bear was being territorial or predatory but we are thankful the snowmobile was able throttle his way out this situation before he found out. Read about on bear safety in Alaska 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.