Alaska is a hot spot for grizzly bears, easily home to the most of any of the 50 states. There are an estimated 30,000 across the entire state, representing over 98 percent of the United States population. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages the population, ensuring that the population remains healthy and grizzly bear viewing opportunities stay abundant.
Hyder, Alaska is well known for it’s exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particulary around Fish Creek. Visitors to the area can often spot salmon, eagles, ducks, minks, otters, black bears, and of course grizzly bears.
The summer months are the best time to observe the massive apex predators as the gorge on fish during the salmon and chum runs in the shallow waters of Fish Creek but apparently they can still be active in the winter judging by this video of a group of backcountry skiers who encountered a grizzly at the top of a mountain, with skier Daryl Treadway actually sharing the slopes with the animal.
Fortunately Daryl Treadway doesn’t get too close to the animal but moving towards it in any fashion is not a good idea. If you see a bear in Alaska, you should avoid it and make sure it can easily avoid you. You’re probably not in danger just by being within the sightline of one, but it’s best to play it as safe as possible. Leave plenty of space and let them move on. Read more on bear safety below:
If You See a Bear
- If the bear appears not to have sensed you, move away without alerting it. Keep your eyes on the bear.
- If the bear does notice you, face the bear, stand your ground and talk to it calmly. Let the bear know you are human. Talk in a normal voice. Help the bear recognize you. Try to appear larger by standing close to others in your group or wave your arms slowly above your head. Try to back away slowly, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Prepare your deterrent if you have one.
- If a bear cannot tell what you are, it may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
- If you take the above actions and the bear continues to focus on you or approach, you should become more assertive: raise your voice, beat on pans, use noisemakers, throw rocks or sticks. Use your deterrent if you have one. Drive a bear off rather than let it follow you. If you are with others, group together to look big and stand your ground.
Surprise Encounters
- If you surprise a bear at close distance, it may feel threatened and act defensively, especially if it has cubs or food. Continue to stand your ground. If the bear moves away, walk away slowly, keeping your eyes on the bear. Increase your distance.
Never Run
- You can’t outrun a bear. Bears can run much faster than a sprinter and, like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. A charging bear might come within a few feet before running off. It’s important to stand your ground.
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