Safety tips: Are you bear-aware?

Bear attacks in Alaska are rare but scary. It’s crucial to be bear-aware, and summer is the perfect time to brush up on bear safety tips that help prevent encounters.

To prevent encounters in the wild and at campsites:

• Use the buddy system.

• Make noise and travel slowly to avoid surprising a bear.

• Carry bear spray. Know how to use it properly.

• Store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers.

If you see a bear in your neighborhood:

• Get to safety.

• Alert Alaska Department of Fish and Game and neighbors.

• Make noise to try and scare the bear away.

– Megan O’Malley, The Alaska 100