Don't be "Bear"anoid
Hello Anchorage! "Big! Wild! Life!" That also can read as "Big wild life!" Moose, Dall sheep, Salmon, and, yes, bears... black bears and brown bears.
We share our space with these animals and most of the time it is great. But it also means that we have to be "bear aware" when we are hiking, biking, or otherwise out in the wilderness.
Most of the time, bears will avoid humans. It is a good idea to make a lot of noise when you are out on the trail so they can hear you coming and clear out before you get there. It is a good idea to travel with a companion... safety in numbers! Common sense can help you stay safe too. Keep an eye out for bear signs including; bear scat (poop), human posted signs noting when bears have last been seen in an area, and bad odors (such as rotting meat). If you see fresh poop or encounter the smell of (or site of) an animal carcass, leave the area immediately.
You should also be aware in other ways. Don't hike in the mountains wearing headphones and know what to do if you encounter a bear unexpectedly. Here are the "bear rules" as I know them... however, if you plan to spend a lot of time out there, it's a good idea to take a class in how to handle bear encounters.
1) The number one rule is never run from a bear. Bears have a chase instinct and it will come after you. You are not faster than the bear. Stand your ground.
2) Raise you arms and wave them slowly, making yourself look bigger. Make "human" sounds, talk to the bear. If the bear makes no move, you can slowly back away. Do not turn your back to the bear, continue to wave your arms.
3) If the bear should charge you, stand your ground. The type of bear will change your actions from here on out. If it is a brown bear (with a hump on its shoulders), you stand your ground unless it charges you and touches you (most charges are false charges and it will stop and turn around before getting to you). If it touches you, drop to the ground face down and cover the back of your neck. If it is a black bear (which can be black, brown or blond, but is smaller and will have no hump), and it charges and "touches you," you will need to kick and fight, beat the bear with a stick or anything you can get you hands on. The bear theory is that the brown bear is most likely attacking you as a threat and once the threat is removed, it will move on. The black bear is a scavenger and prefers an easy meal and will move on if challenged.
You can carry bear spray to further protect yourself, but make sure it is accessible and that you know how to use it. And if you have a pet, keep it on a leash. Often a hiker will take a dog onto a trail and the dog will encounter a bear. Your dogs instinct is to run to you for help, leading a charging bear straight to you.
All of this is written so that you can be bear aware... but don't get "bear"anoid! I have been hiking and biking, moderately but definately in bear country, for 15 years and have yet to have a close up encounter. Most likely because I go out with friends and we make plenty of noise to warn off a bear a long way before we get to it. Got out and enjoy the wilderness, but use your head!
P.S. It is okay to run from a moose. You can often walk past them, even if they are close to a trail. But, don't be lulled into thinking they are tame. They can be just as dangerous as any bear. Give them their space and we can all share the trails safely in Anchorage.
