Being Bear Aware

Officials remind people it's very important to clean up your trash, not only does it keep you safe, but it keeps the bears safe too.

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By KTVA CBS 11

Story Created: May 8, 2011 at 6:18 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 8, 2011 at 10:53 PM AKDT

It's that time of year again when bears are waking up from their winter slumber. Alaska Zoo officials said it also means it is time to be cautious. Sunday was “Bear Aware Day” at the Alaska Zoo, and bear experts said now is the time to be on your toes outside.

“A lot of people don't realize we live in bear country, you think we live in a city and we don't have to worry, but in fact bears are awake and they are hungry and they are looking for food,” said Valerie Connor of the Alaska Center For The Environment.

Officials said it is very important to remember to clean up your garbage, not only does it keep you safe, but it keeps the bears safe, too. A trashcan test with black bears on Sunday showed the difference between a regular trashcan and a reinforced, bear-proof can, that can be rented at Alaska waste.

“It’s got a reinforced steel lid, it's a plastic can reinforced with metal and it's got a latch that you need to stick your finger in the hole and flip the latch and then open it up manually,” said Elizabeth Manning of the Education and Outreach Department of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

“Which is something bears can not do,” she said.

Officials warn Alaskans if they see a bear going through the trash make sure to report it to fish and game immediately.

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Duane said on Sunday, May 8 at 11:14 PM

There may come a day (sooner than we think) where we erect barriers around Anchorage like we have along the airport and the Glenn Highway (northbound) that keep the wild animals out of the city. Too often these "wildlife" are more of a nuisance, in part, because they've grown accustomed to humans. Whether we (foolishly) attempt to interact with the wildlife, or (carelessly) contribute to the problem with our unsecured trash, bird feeders, etc., we are going to see more shootings, maulings, stompings, etc., as these human-animal encounters become more numerous. The enemy is "us," not "them."

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Peaches said on Sunday, May 8 at 6:41 PM

I know this is wild Alaska I was born an raised here. You see this stuff all the time. But to kill them off all the time no. Just reloacte them elsewhere is all.

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