ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Authorities in Anchorage have issued urgent warnings for hikers to stay away from streams and rivers where salmon are spawning, following two separate bear attacks on hikers within just a week.
Both incidents, which involved unidentified victims, resulted in survivors despite the terrifying nature of the encounters in the municipality of Anchorage. The area is known for its extensive urban-wildlife interface, spanning 1,961 square miles—an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
Home to approximately 290,000 residents, or about 40% of Alaska’s population, Anchorage is also a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including around 350 black bears, 65 brown bears, and an estimated 1,600 moose.
Cory Stantorf, the Anchorage area biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, emphasized the dangers associated with salmon-bearing streams, stating, “Every year we recommend that folks avoid salmon-bearing streams because that concentrates both species of bears.”
As the bears prepare for hibernation, the availability of salmon becomes a major food source, drawing more bears into the area.
The first bear attack occurred on July 22, involving a woman who was hiking on a popular trail in a residential neighborhood overlooking Cook Inlet and Anchorage. During her trek about two miles into the trail near Stuckagain Heights, she reported an encounter with what she believed to be a brown bear.
Although officials were unable to determine the bear type at the time, Cyndi Wardlow, a regional supervisor for the state Department of Fish and Game, noted the possibility that it might have been a cinnamon black bear, which can resemble a brown bear.
Visibility conditions on the trail were poor, with tall grass and dense brush. Following the attack, biologists collected hair and scat samples for further analysis, but results may take up to two weeks to process. Stantorf indicated that they are still waiting for the outcome of those tests, which could potentially identify the type of bear involved and its gender.
The second attack occurred on Saturday near the suburb of Eagle River. A hiker was traversing a trail that runs alongside the south fork of the Eagle River when his unleashed dog unexpectedly came across a brown bear with a cub.
According to Timothy Gurnett, a Chugach State Park ranger, the bear attacked the hiker, prompting the man to use his bear spray twice—first to stop the assault and again when the bear returned. Fortunately, both the sow and her cub retreated into the woods shortly afterward.
Despite armed officials conducting a search with drones and on foot, they were unable to locate the bear. Officials do not intend to euthanize the sow, citing that it was simply protecting her cub—a normal maternal behavior.
In response to these incidents, authorities urge hikers to be extra cautious, particularly around salmon-bearing waterways. Gurnett noted, “There’s so many other places to hike,” mentioning that there are over 300 miles of trails within Chugach State Park, with 95% located in the Municipality of Anchorage.
Hikers are advised to remain vigilant near rivers, as the sound of rushing water can mask human noises, meaning bears may not be aware of hikers’ presence until they are very close.
To ensure safety, Gurnett suggests that hikers carry air horns and make noise to alert bears to their presence. He explained, “Bears don’t want to be around us. They want to be somewhere else.”
Regardless of their chosen trail, every hiker should remain cognizant of the possibility of encountering bears, moose, wolves, or other wildlife, as noted by Stantorf. Recommendations for safe hiking include traveling in groups, making noise, keeping bear spray accessible, avoiding running or using earbuds, leashing pets, and maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings.
Authorities are hoping these precautionary measures will help prevent future bear encounters as the hibernation season approaches.
image source from：apnews
