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| Our advisors are a team of Alaska's
top park rangers, wildlife biologist, bush pilots, naturalist, photographers,
hoteliers, and other seasoned travel professionals sharing their best
insights with you. Learn
more about who we are» |
| Bear Viewing Safety |
| Bear viewing is NOT a
dangerous activity—at least, not when done correctly. Stick
with the guides and tour companies we list, since they know bears
well and will always be there to direct you and handle any situation
that may arise. |
| The Basics |
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Insights From a Pro |
- If you encounter a bear, stand your ground, even if it approaches.
Never run from a bear, as the action may encourage it to chase
you.
- Never offer a bear food or let one take food from you.
- Keep your personal belongings with you.
- If you see a bear nearby but it's not approaching, back away
slowly and give the bear space and access to its fishing hole
and trails.
- Use binoculars and telephoto lenses. Don't stalk bears or
try to get up close to them.
- Stay on the trail or roadway and remain in close groups.
- Never try to attract a bear's attention with food or loud
noises.
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- Be a neutral part of the environment, says Alaska's foremost
bear biologist, Larry Aumiller. The goal is for them to become
habituated to humans. Bears normally flee when they see people.
But in some of Alaska's most popular bear-viewing areas, bears
have learned humans aren't a problem, so they come back year
after year. And cubs take cues from their parents, which means
that if humans behave responsibly, generations of bears will
return to the same spots for years of bear-viewing opportunities.
- Some bears are more tolerant than others, but every bear
has a "personal space" within which it feels threatened. Watching
and photographing bears from a distance allows you to observe
natural behavior, while both you and the bears feel safe.
- Reduce disturbance to bears and their habitats. Respect bears'
personal space and make sure they experience predictable human
behavior.
- Pick a spot near the action and let the bears come to you.
If they make the decision and they're comfortable being close
to humans, that makes us all the more comfortable.
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| When Fishing |
| Be especially careful when angling.
Competition for food can lead to trouble with bears. Let them fish
but don't let them get your catch. If they start to associate humans
with food, it can lead to trouble down the road. |
- Fish only in areas where you have a good range of vision and
can see an approaching bear.
- If you see a bear coming toward you or think the bear can
see a fish struggling on your line, stop fishing immediately.
- If there's a fish on your line, give it slack or cut the line.
A fish splashing around in the water will pique a bear's curiosity.
- After you've caught a fish, clean it in the river, and throw
the entrails in the deepest, fastest water.
- Put your catch in a bear-proof container or your car as soon
as possible. Don't leave it out—-bears will find it!
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