In the vicinity of Delta Junction, Alaska, firefighters have been battling wildfires for weeks, facing numerous challenges. One unexpected complication involves encounters with local bears, which have been wandering through camps and even entering tents.
Ben Gage, a spokesperson for the firefighting teams, confirmed that while no injuries have been reported, the situation has posed a unique challenge to the crews on the ground.
“It’s sometimes hard to completely get the smell off you when you’re working outside,” Gage explained regarding the difficulty of masking scents.
Bears are drawn to the distinct smell of bar oil, a lubricant used by firefighters for their chainsaws, adding another layer of complexity to maintaining safety at the fire camps.
In response to this furry dilemma, a mother-daughter duo of Karelian bear dogs, Mardy and Sky, has joined about 50 firefighters deployed near the expansive 23,000-acre Twelvemile Fire area.
According to Nils Pedersen, the dogs’ handler and director of the Wind River Bear Institute, the role of Karelian bear dogs is crucial in managing the wildlife conflicts that arise in such situations.
“These are big game hunting dogs from Finland that were traditionally used to hunt brown bear and moose,” Pedersen noted, pointing out that their physical resemblance to bears is coincidental.
Having worked with bear dogs in fire camps for the past five years, Pedersen explained how the dogs assist in identifying the presence of bears.
When the dogs spot a bear, they begin to bark, signaling to the bear that it is being watched and must vacate the area.
“We can find bears, the dogs will then bark at them,” Pedersen said.
Alongside the bear dogs, firefighters are equipped with alternative methods such as chainsaws and loud noises to deter bears from approaching.
Gage mentioned that, in emergencies, qualified shooters may be called upon to help in bear management.
However, he and Pedersen agree that incorporating barky bear dogs can significantly reduce the reliance on more aggressive control measures, thus ensuring a safer environment for the firefighters.
Having these specially trained dogs on site has been a source of comfort for the firefighters, allowing them to focus on their work with less anxiety about wildlife threats.
“Even though the barking in the middle of the night may not be everyone’s favorite thing, it’s preferable than hearing a bear trashing your camp,” Pedersen commented on the practicality of the dogs’ presence.
Furthermore, the bear dogs provide emotional support to firefighters who are away from their families and working long hours.
“To visit with the dogs and pet a dog, and especially a dog that’s helping keep you safe out here, is really pleasant,” he added.
The mutual appreciation between the firefighters and the bear dogs has created a positive atmosphere, with Mardy and Sky eagerly accepting belly rubs and treats from the team, embodying a symbiotic relationship in their challenging work environment.
image source from：alaskapublic
