Bear aware
The best thing to do in bear country is to avoid them.
How to avoid bears?
Make noise so you don’t surprise the bear
Stay alert and look for signs of bears. Prints, scat and smell (they smell kind of like hot garbage)
MUTUAL RESPECT. If you respect them they will you.
Never approach or crowd bears. DO NOT INTERACT WITH CUBS!
Keep food, garbage and other attractants out of reach of bears. (This includes things like toothpaste and deodorant. Anything with a smell)
Bears use trails and roads. Don’t set up camp near a trail, or leave vehicles full of food unattended.
Avoid areas where you see or smell carcasses of fish or other animals, or see scavengers.
Use designated bear barrels and bear proof trash cans. (Do Not leave your garbage or pets outside your vehicle.)
What to do in a bear encounter?
Keep calm
Ready your detergent
Stand your ground
Look large, group up with others
Alert the bear by talking calmly
DO NOT RUN!
If you happen to be the victim of a grizzly attack. Protect your organs, get in the fetal position and hold the back of your neck.
Dangers of Moose.
People often are focused on the concern of bears in Alaska. Mother moose can be as or even more dangerous then bears. These cute yet large members of the deer family must not be overlooked.
Moose are more unpredictable then bears. Particularly with new calf. Female moose are known to be very aggressive towards humans and especially dogs.
Similar safety proticol apply to moose as with bears:
Mutual Respect give them personal space.
DO NO APPROACH moose.
Do not feed moose.
Keep dogs on a leash if there is a moose around.
Do not allow yourself or your pet to be behind a moose. They kick similar to a horse. This can cause serious injury or death.
What to do if a moose charges you?
A moose will usually do a few false charges, getting closer each time.
Back away slowly, Moose eye sight is poor. If you move slow enough they may not see you if its more then 10 ft away.
Get behind a tree, building, fence or vehicle.
Alaska is a beautiful place, but it is WILD. Please use common sense, leave no trace and respect the wild life.
Lets keep Alaska the last frontier.
Photo by Haji Mahmood