Thursday, May 23, 2013
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Bicyclist Spots Lone Wolf On Tony Knowles Coastal TrailWildlife biologists urge trail users to “use common sense”ANCHORAGE—An Anchorage bicyclist claims several people have seen a lone wolf wandering along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail without a pack. Biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are asking the public to not approach it.
Pablo Portillo, 34, is an avid bicyclist. He rides on the coastal trail three times a week. One morning last week, he saw more than just the occasional moose on the trail.
Portillo took photos of what he said was a lone wolf on the trail near Pt. Woronzof in West Anchorage.
“Obviously I was kind of freaking out,” he said. “I didn’t want to get attacked or nothing, but I was excited, too, so I guess the excitement kind of overcame the fear at that point.”
Fish and Game biologist Jessy Coltrane says although the sighting is rare, it is possible to see one.
“You do have the potential to see wildlife at any given time, “ she said. “But don’t approach it.”
But trail users say they aren’t sure what to think.
“It would make me a little uneasy, it might surprise me,” said Ann Larabee, who was walking on the trail Tuesday afternoon.
Anchorage resident Mike Grisham says he has no problem encountering a wolf.
“What a great way to teach kids about how people and animals can interact,” Grisham said. “I’m very pleased that they’re there.”
Biologists say they will continue to monitor the area.
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Honor Lightwell said on Wednesday, Aug 17 at 5:48 PM
Been riding the trail since it opened.. well a little before the ceremony... seen moose ... porcupines... bear ... fox... the fox used to come to Earthquake Park Viewing area late at night and wander around where the people would wander around... I used to talk with it... after a few times it didn't run off... not sure that was a good idea in retrospect... one late night several tourists in their seventies were watching the sunset when three young men came into the viewing area with large sticks.... about fifteen or sixteen and were smashing their sticks against the concrete monument and just acting in a threatening manner... the tourists would have to go right by them... so I stayed there and talked with the tourists and told them not to worry... I would stay there till the youngsters left.... those youngsters represented a greater danger than any animal I've come across
72516084Anonymous said on Wednesday, Aug 17 at 12:01 AM
Looks like the same wolf we use to see in East Anchorage, by himself going down the middle of Lynn Dr, two years in a row. He didn't come close to people just walked down the middle of the road always keeping in eye on the humans. Beautiful animal. So glad I live in Alaska where you can still see wildlife within the city and you go WOW
72465697AKChuliRes said on Tuesday, Aug 16 at 10:59 PM
I just hate to think that at some point, some tourist or some moron is going to try to feed it. But honestly, if that does happen, I hope this guy is handy with his camera once again.
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