AK on the GO

Shhhhhhhh. The bears of Anchorage are supposed to be sleeping, although it seems they missed the memo, judging from the number of tracks spotted on a daily basis in and around Alaska’s largest city. Heck, I was out hiking the other day in my favorite stretch of the Campbell Tract and came upon a huge bear-print right there in front of my own size 10 boots. Yikes!

Didn’t take me long after that close-enough-encounter to contact my friends at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game . I’m ready to NOT worry about bears for a few months, for pete’s sake, and here I am, skis and snowshoes at the ready, sharing my groomed trails with these furry creatures <grump>.

Biologist David Battle says there could be any number of reasons our bear friends are reluctant to take to their beds. Brown bears, for instance, are light sleepers. It could be, too, that a bear is defending a recent kill, although Battle says he’s walked the area pretty closely and hasn’t seen any sure signs of that. We’ve even been hearing of a black bear napping right on freshly-groomed ski trails, which might mean a sick, injured, or even belligerant adolescent bear. Summer food sources might not have been as plentiful as desired, but we don’t know for sure. Battle does know that once snow falls and tracks become more visible, people will be calling, especially now that places like Hilltop Ski Area and the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage have actually seen these tracks, and in one case of Hilltop’s webcam, seen the bears.

So what’s a person to do, especially we parents, who want to get out and recreate, but are feeling a wee bit nervous about those big clawmarks on the ground?

“Stay alert,” said Battle. “If you are skiing, remember that you’ll be moving a lot faster and quieter than hiking, and may surprise a bear.” He suggests making noise (hello, remember our summertime bear-aware tips?) as the most effective method, since bears, while not exactly up on the latest “skiing” sounds, will likely clue into the human voice. Sing holiday carols, maybe? How about those jingle bells? Yep, a good idea, too.

Should you carry bear spray? “Yes,” says Battle, but do keep it close to your body so that it does not become too cold and thus, useless should you need it quickly. Be sure the spray is accessible, however, and perhaps practice your “draw” before you leave the house; remember, bear spray with bare hands is a whole lot different than bear spray with mittens or gloves. (hmm, I better find the bear spray after I put it up for the winter.)

Remind kids, too, that staying within arm’s reach of an adult is important. Make sure bigger kids follow summertime rules of making noise and traveling in groups. Battle suggests that folks stick to daytime treks or skis for the next few weeks, just to give our bruin friends time to find their nighty-night place.

Consider, at least for a while, leashing up your canine friends as well. One dog versus one tired, hungry, and cranky bear might not end well for anyone.

Battle asks that anyone who sees signs of circling magpies, ravens, and the like to stay away from the area and call the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at 907-267-2344 to report the possibility of a carcass, which changes the game, considerably.

In the meantime, do enjoy yourselves, follow the rules, and perhaps sing a favorite lullabye to our brown and black bears who, obviously, need someone to tuck them in.

PS: Do NOT put out the birdfeeders just yet, even though our feathered friends may be clamoring at your window; and wait until the morning of trash day to put out your garbage can. All bears need is one reason to stay up, and I’d hate to be that reason, eh?

Be aware, the bears are still out there!

It’s November 1 and the greater Anchorage area is still void of much measurable snowfall and/or very cold temperatures (although now that I have dared write this, we are all but guaranteed both). While votes are still out on whether or not we like this environmental conundrum, there are some critters in the ‘hood who probably are just as confused as we. Da Bears.

I’ve been fielding some questions from anxious parents who are a bit befuddled as to the bear situation in Anchorage. Are they hibernating or not? What’s up with the tracks I saw on the Tank Trail last week? I thought that bears stayed hidden all winter? Does this mean I need to revisit the bear safety class?

Have no fear, AKontheGO’ers because I (the most bear-anoid) of them all, have contacted the guru-ess on all things brown and black and big all over in Anchorage. Elizabeth Manning, our bear expert and bear education leader for most Anchorage schools, and an Alaska Department of Fish and Game  biologist, has some important information for we befuddled parents. And in a word, Yes. We do need to be aware. Not afraid, mind you, just aware.

Elizabeth says that bears right now are in a period of active feeding called hyperphagia that gets their bodies all set for the long winter inside a cozy den.  If they are still awake, and let it be known many are, they are eating, eating, eating all day to store up fats inside their fuzzy selves. According to Elizabeth and bear biologist research expert Sean Farley, some bears have already denned, but not all. True enough, as we witnessed last weekend out at the Eagle River Nature Center, where the Albert Loop trail is still closed due to some bear business going on back there. Likewise for the Campbell Tract and Tank Trail/Fort Richardson areas.

But, take heart Anchorage. Manning says that by the end of November, all bears should be tucked away for the winter. Yes, sometimes bears do get out and about if the weather warms, food is available (maybe a moose walks right in front of their den, or somebody’s bird feeder is nearby a bear’s sunbathing spot), or if snow starts dripping on their bed; but generally, our area bears don’t get out much during the winter months.

What’s this mean for bear safety tactics? According to Manning, the same as spring and summer. Keep traveling in groups, making noise, and watching for bear signs (scat, tracks, fresh kill, hair, etc.). Like, all that stuff you learned back in June at our Bear Safety for Families Class at Campbell Creek Science Center! I’d like to add my parental two cents and remind those of us with running inclinations to add a headlamp; never mind the trauma of running into a moose, but a bear? Yikes.

Yes, they are still out there. Yes, they will soon go nighty-night. And no, we should not stop teaching our kids the best in bear behavior. Want more info on our area bears? Visit ADF&G’s interesting web site HERE.

Think snow!