Bears in Anchorage
There are many grizzly bears and black bears in Anchorage, Alaska.
Bear population
There are between 200 and 300
Spawning salmon in Campbell Creek attract many bears to the city from the Chugach Mountains.[1]
Human–bear encounters and management issues
Though bear populations may not be increasing, human–bear encounters are on the rise.[1] As Anchorage's population has increased and urbanization has removed forest, bears have become easier to spot.[1]
In the late 1990s, Anchorage residents responding to a survey indicated that they wanted more animals, including bears, in the city.[1] It is unclear whether attitudes have remained the same, with some people growing uncomfortable with increasing bear encounters.[1]
Recent laws have made it illegal to put out garbage before the morning of trash day,[citation needed] and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has lobbied the city to enforce the law by ticketing.[1] The ADFG has also undertaken a bear education campaign, including sending employees door to door to discourage Anchorage residents from leaving food and garbage out.[1]
In 1995, two runners were killed by a bear along McHugh Creek. Two maulings in July and August 2008 were the first such incidents recorded closer to the city center.[2]
See also
- John Pezzenti, wildlife photographer noted for his shots of bears in Alaska
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Medred, Craig (6 July 2008). "Bears among us: Too close for comfort?". Anchorage Daily News. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
- ^ Medred, Craig (1 July 2008). "Trail closed; attack sparks debates". Anchorage Daily News. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.