Alaska is home to black bears, brown bears and polar bears, greatly increasing your chances of crossing paths with a bear. Whether you plan to hike through or pitch a tent, make sure you practice safety in bear country
Hiking
Hike in groups and make noise by talking or singing loudly. Noise allows bears to know you are in the area, avoiding the bear becoming startled. If you see a bear while hiking, give them plenty of space and move away without alerting the bear. Bears like personal space and may be more protective if cubs are nearby.
If a bear does see you, never approach it and never run. Again, NEVER RUN from bears. Remain calm and stand your ground. If a bear approaches you, stand close to others and wave your arms in the air to make yourself appear larger. If the bear continues to approach you, try to make more noise or use a bear deterrent.
Camping
When choosing a campsite, choose an area away from trails or rivers. Trails, paths and riverbanks a bears primary course of travel.
Bears are notoriously curious and can smell a dead animal 20 miles away upwind. This means bears can easily smell food or garbage. It’s important to keep food and/or garbage away from your campsite. Cook food away from your tent and store all food in a bear proof container or high above the ground. Do not bury your garbage, bears will dig it up. Many campgrounds in Alaska offer food storage lockers to lock up food when not in use.
NEVER FEED BEARS. It is illegal in Alaska to feed bears, even unintentionally.
Pets
Many people love taking their pets along for a hike or camp but in bear country, it can be dangerous. It is generally best practice to keep your dog on a leash for both you and your pets safety.
These tips and many others are available to protect yourself while outdoors in Alaska bear country, be responsible and plan ahead to avoid disasters.
The Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
