Residents and Wildlife are Required to Co-Exist

Summertime for many means hitting the trails

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: May 16, 2012 at 7:23 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 17, 2012 at 8:14 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - It's no mystery that Alaska's wildlife and the people of Anchorage need to co-exist.

Earlier this week people hiking the Turnagain Arm Trail were able to get very close to a brown bear, which Chugach State Park rangers say was lured down because of a dog carcass.

The rangers spend a lot of time on the trails monitoring where bears are and posting warnings.

Summertime for many means hitting the trails, and that could also mean an up close encounter with a brown or black bear.

When Dianna Rall and Kim Bool run the Turnagain Arm trail they are prepared. “There are always bears at this time of year ,so we always want to be careful and go with a friend – buddy up,” said Rall.

And it's not just the bears. “We saw a moose today; they are always on the trail"

Park rangers want to warn everyone that it's calving season and mom will do anything to keep you away from her baby.

“So around McHugh Creek is a big moose calving area, and this time of year we deal with black bears coming, and interfering with the moose and their new calves and chasing them around that area,” said Chief Ranger Matt Wedeking.

“Also keep track of your children, don't let them run ahead of you on the trails,” said Wedeking.

Closer to town wildlife is never hard to find, and Lieutenant Dave Parker has a friendly reminder for the critters you encounter in your every day activities.

"It's illegal to intentionally feed moose, or bears, or any of the wildlife here other than birds,” said Parker. “You can have bird feeders, but that attracts the bears as well.”

APD have had to kill many bears over the years, when they break into peoples houses, or become a threat to safety.

If you see an animal that's a threat, police say call 911.
 

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