In the 10 years 1975-85, 19 people in Alaska were killed by dogs. Morning high of 39F with temps falling sharply to near 15. If possible, travel with a group. The kodiak bear is a subspecies of the brown bear. The National Park Service says a grizzly bear will be located and killed after an attack in Alaska's Denali National Park. Chances are, you are not in danger. Hunters should be aware that freshly killed game can draw a bear to the area, and hikers with unleashed dogs should be aware of the potential for pets to attract the attention of bears and potentially draw them back to their owners. Breaking news, as it happens, in your in-box. Most national parks require you stay at least 200 feet or 300 feet away from bears, although what is considered a safe distance may vary based on the terrain you are on and the species you are observing. A hunter was killed by a grizzly bear this weekend in Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, marking the park's first known bear mauling fatality. I told her the chances of being attacked by a bear are ridiculously slim, and almost non-existent if you keep a few things in mind and take some precautions. A study by the state epidemiologist showed that during the first 85 years of this century, only 20 people died in bear attacks in Alaska. After the bear charges, slowly retreat while keeping an eye on the bear. The report highlighted that most of the victims were white male Alaska residents. (ADN, Alaska DHSS) The data reveals that three of these deaths have happened over just two years. According to legendary bear biologist John Hechtel, there have only been 207 Alaska bear attacks since 1980, and 28% of those were hunters (and if bear hunting, they were asking for it! Kodiak bears live in the Kodiak Archipelago on the southern end of Alaska in the Gulf of Alaska. Shideler, again, noted that the media tends to ignore cases where individuals safely escaped bear encounters. 13. Lie flat on your stomach, or curl up in a ball with your hands behind your neck. 99501. The body discovered Wednesday would make three deaths in two … Don't Crowd Bears! Keep food smells off your clothing. [7] Never run from a bear in attack … The bear was shot and killed by mine personnel. “I think one thing that may be a factor, and I don’t have any data to support this: I think there’s a tendency from older folks not to trust bear spray. Nonoccupational bear attacks involved victims who were hiking/walking in wooded areas or camping. The analysis underscores the fact that many bear attacks in Alaska occur in occupational settings, accounting for approximately 20% of bear attack hospitalizations and 40% of bear attack deaths during the study period. When traveling in bear country, keep alert and enjoy the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Store all food away from your campsite. Weight: Males 400 - 1,100 pounds; Females 200 - 600 pounds Source of fatal bear attack statistics: “Fatal Attacks by American Black Bear on People: 1900-2009” by Stephen Herrero, Andrew Higgins, James E. Cardoza, Laura I. Hajduk & Tom S. Smith; published in the April, 2011 issue of the Journal of Wildlife Management.. Bear Attack Statistics / USGS Report Posted by Zachary Royce on May 26 2004 I believe the report you are talking about, which has been quoted and referred to by other sources, is a United States Geological Survey report by Tom Smith and Steve Herrero. It's best to understand what bears need and avoid bears whenever possible. The mine contract employee who was killed in a grizzly bear attack on Monday has been identified by Alaska Wildlife Troopers as Anthony David Montoya, 18, of Hollis, Oklahoma. Most bears are interested only in protecting food, cubs or their "personal space." Wave your arms. Filed under alaska , animal attacks , … From 2000–2017, Alaska’s population increased 17%, and Alaska’s population of brown bears remained healthy and productive, reaching densities as high as one bear per square mile in some parts of the state. If a bear approaches while you are fishing, stop fishing. Two-thirds of them are hunters who surprise bears in the wilderness. Only a tiny percentage of those few are ever threatened by a bear. Avoid smelly food like bacon and smoked fish. If bear spray is going to be effective, you’ll have to be very close to a bear and very fast and accurate with your deployment if you’re to stand any chance of deterring an attack. Keep a clean camp. While bear attacks occurred in every region of Alaska and during all but two months of the year, bear attacks were most frequent in the Gulf Coast region and during summer months. Keep in mind that color and size are not reliable sole indicators of the species of bear––even those familiar with bears can have a difficult time determining the difference between a very large black bear and a grizzly. Knowing your bear has some bearing on how to approach an attack. Give the bear every opportunity to avoid you. Fight any black bear, regardless of circumstances. Most people who see a bear in the wild consider it the highlight of their trip. “Those are under-represented in this sample.”. This means there were an average of just under four hospitalizations from bear attacks each year and indicates that bear attacks account for roughly 8.6 hospitalizations out of every 10,000. Talk to the bear in a normal voice. In a show of resilience of the human body, and the determination to live, a father beats the odds after a terribly horrific attack by a brown bear in Alaska. Bears are curious, intelligent and potentially dangerous animals, but undue fear of bears can endanger both bears and people. The injuries he did sustain — two broken shoulder blades, various muscle and nerve damage — are expected to heal. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Seventy-nine percent of those hospitalized were Alaska residents, and 87% were engaged in outdoor recreational activities, most commonly hunting. When total number of visitors is analyzed, the While Becwar fits the demographics of someone who has a higher likelihood of being attacked by a bear — he’s white, a male, an Alaska resident between the ages of 50 and 60, and not only works outdoors but also recreates outdoors — the situation in which he was attacked was statistically unlikely. A bear's food may be there and if the bear is nearby, it may defend the cache aggressively. Weight: Males 600 - 1,200 pounds; Females 400 - 700 pounds Color: All white The father was […] Fish & Wildlife ServiceU.S. You’re most likely to be killed by a bear in Alaska with 12 reported deaths in the last 18 years. In addition to this, brown bears caused seven of these fatalities, … If you carry a spray can, keep it handy and know how to use it. Alaska Population Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000, Black Bear Bear attacks are of particular concern for those who are in bear habitats. Traveling in groups and avoiding bear cubs can also help you to avoid a bear attack. Detour around areas where you see or smell carcasses of fish or animals, or see scavengers congregated. Make noise, sing, talk loudly or tie a bell to your pack. Middaugh [13] reviewed black, brown, and polar bear attacks in Alaska between 1900 and 1985 and found only 105 human injuries, 20 of which were fatal. As you can see the statistics show there were a total of 18 reported deaths between 2000-2010 and 33 deaths between 2010-2018. “There have been some cases with minor scratches, which technically was an attack,” he said. Avoid attracting bears through improper handling of food or garbage. The bear that attacked Becwar was an adult male black bear, with no cubs and no kill site in the area. BEAR FACTS According to a report titled “Hospitalizations and Deaths Resulting from Bear Attacks in Alaska, 2000–2017,” a vast majority of attacks involved brown bears, most commonly in the Gulf Coast area of the state. Respecting bears and learning proper behavior in their territory will help so that if you encounter a bear, neither of you will suffer needlessly from the experience. State law allows a bear to be shot in self-defense if you did not provoke the attack and if there is no alternative, but the hide and skull must be salvaged and turned over to the authorities. Brown bear incidents have occurred in their native range spanning Alaska, Northern and Western Canada, and portions of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Defensive aerosol sprays which contain capsicum (red pepper extract) have been used with some success for protection against bears. Weight: Males 150 - 400 pounds; Females 125 - 250 pounds Low 7F. “Those of us who have been working in the bear safety world now wish we had a statistic of people who have encountered a bear and walk away without an interaction. Play dead if you are attacked by a grizzly bear you have surprised, encountered on a carcass, or any female bear that seems to be protecting cubs. In most cases, if you give a bear the opportunity to do the right thing, it will. Always let bears know you are there. To make the bear run away, step out and wave and say “Hi, I’m a human!” We have seen a lot of advice to avoid eye contact and avoid running away, but we have been unable to find any instance where doing these things has precipitated an attack. Four of the 10 (40%) fatal bear attacks victims were working at … For example, during 2000–2017, people in Alaska were 27 times more likely to be hospitalized following a bicycle accident and 71 times more likely to be hospitalized following an ATV or snowmachine accident. Kodiak Bear. Firearms should never be used as an alternative to common-sense approaches to bear encounters. Of the brown bear attacks causing human injury in North America, 51 occurred in Alaska, 42 in British Columbia, 29 in Wyoming, 25 in Montana, and 18 in Alberta. A bear attack is an attack by any mammal of the family Ursidae, on another animal, although it usually refers to bears attacking humans or domestic pets. You may have a chance to see a bear in Alaska. There were 6 fatal bear attacks in Alaska from 2008–2018. According to a report titled Hospitalizations and Deaths Resulting from Bear Attacks in Alaska 2000–2017, brown bears like the one photographed above are far more likely to attack than black bears. There is a chance that you may be lucky enough to see a bear. This incident took place in 2016 on April 15th. The National Park Service breaks bear attacks into two groups: 1) defensive attacks and 2) predatory attacks. According to Dick Shideler, a bear research biologist with the Department of Fish and Game in Fairbanks, this victim profile should be “sort of expected” given that Alaska’s demographics skew male, white and older. Grizzly bear claws are even duller because they are used for digging. According to investigative supplements for most of the incidents in the epidemiology report, an estimated 96% of attacks involved brown bears, with just 4% involving black bears. https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright/NEPA/HEU-EIS, Online Auction / In-person First Friday viewing @ Big Daddy’s BarB-Q. It is the largest of the subspecies and one of the largest bears in the world. View Fatal bear attacks in North America in a full screen map. Source of shark attack data: International Shark Attack File, May 13, 2014. Black bears inhabit most of Alaska's forests. Today we check out 5 chilling scenes of bear encounters and or attacks on humans! Infectious Disease Hospitalizations Among American Indian/Alaska Native and Non–American Indian/Alaska Native Persons in Alaska, 2010-2011. Such attacks capture the imaginations and attention of a whole bunch of people and I’ve seen dozens of articles and even a couple of national news stories on the topic. ness, Alaska is commonly viewed as an area with a high incidence of bear attacks. According to the report, the frequency of bear attacks on humans “appears to be increasing globally.” This is due to a number of factors, including “increased habitat overlap” as a result of human population growth and increased engagement in outdoor recreation. Stand your ground. Alaska tops the list with 24 fatal bear attacks, but be aware when in the other States and National Parks listed below: The Parks With The Most Fatal Bear Attacks In The […] At least five of the 10 fatal bear attack victims either didn’t have any bear deterrents or had one that was not readily accessible at the time. Therefore, everyone who is recreating or working in bear country should always carry a bear deterrent for defense and practice accessing and using the deterrent before relying on it for defense in a high-pressure situation,” the report states. But even if you don't, you will never be far from one, because Alaska is bear country. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. The report notes that, in 2017, an estimated 1 in 10 jobs in Alaska were related to the outdoor recreation industry. If a bear actually makes contact, you have two choices: play dead or fight back. “The most effective means of avoiding a bear attack is to prevent the encounter in the first place.”, The report also draws attention to the fact that note that a substantial number of incidents involved people who were not Alaska residents, which, according to the report, highlights “the need for educational outreach to both Alaska residents and visitors.”. Shideler, however, went on to note that there’s a fine line between reassuring people that bear attacks aren’t common, and simultaneously ensuring that they take the possibility of an attack seriously. [The killing of an Eagle River hiker marks the 6th fatal bear attack in Alaska in the past 10 years. If you move, and the bear sees or hears you, it may return and renew its attack. “The incident is the first known bear mauling fatality recorded in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve since the park was established in 1980,” the NPS wrote in a statement. Moose outnumber bears nearly three to one in Alaska, wounding around five to 10 people in the state annually. Identify the bear quickly upon your encounter. A .300-Magnum rifle or a 12-gauge shotgun with rifled slugs are appropriate weapons if you have to shoot a bear. Hang food out of reach of bears if possible. Addition July, 2002, Alaska, Mantakusa River Cabin 100 miles east of Anchorage, Alaska, Brent Hughes, .44 magnum S&W, black bear. Key words: bear, attack, human, death, wounds, animal attack, wilderness Introduction Human injuries and fatalities inflicted by black, brown, and polar bears are rare, yet continue to elicit fear and trepidation in people who choose to venture into wild areas. However, people tend to be 37.5 years, on average, when they’re fatally attacked by one of the following types of bears. In Alaska, about six people a year are injured by bear attacks, Bartley said. Continue waving your arms and talking to the bear. Avoid surprising bears at close distance; look for signs of bears and make plenty of noise. Burying garbage is a waste of time. “Avoiding bear encounters is not always possible. Fearful people usually tell us “I ran one way and the bear ran the other.” In the last week, four people have been attacked, including two deadly encounters on back-to-back days last weekend. During the study period, 68 people were hospitalized as a result of 66 bear attacks in Alaska. Admiralty Island in Alaska, where the attack happened, has the densest population of grizzlies in the world. If a bear learns it can obtain fish just by approaching fishermen, it will return for more. Contrary to popular belief, bears can see almost as well as people, but trust their noses much more than their eyes or ears. If it does not leave or continues approaching, become more defensive - raise your voice, beat on pans, use noisemakers, throw rocks or sticks, use bear repellent pepper spray. Alistair Gardiner Smith says brown bears inflicted more injuries than any other species in Alaska. You can do this by keeping a clean camp and home, and by following bear safety advice when recreating or working in bear country. Remain motionless for as long as possible. from bear attack. Chance of snow 50%. The analysis underscores the fact that many bear attacks in Alaska occur in occupational settings, accounting for approximately 20% of bear attack hospitalizations and 40% of bear attack deaths during the study period. During 2000–2017, there were 10 bear-related fatalities resulting from eight bear attacks. Alaska Population Estimate: More than 50,000, Brown Bear Bears are not totally unpredictable in their behavior, so there are some precautions you can take. But even if you don't, you will never be far from one, because Alaska is bear country. They can be fatal and often hikers, hunters, fishers, and others in bear country take precautions against bear attacks. Speaking from his hospital bed a week or so later, Becwar noted he didn’t lose any appendages or suffer any damage to vital organs. Avoid thick brush. - grizzly bear attack stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Typically, a bear will break off its attack once it feels the threat has been eliminated. Which, by definition, means it’s out of the ordinary,” he said. Most people who have been attacked by bears admit that they made mistakes. Only a tiny percentage of those few are ever threatened by a bear. Chance of snow 30%.. Although he noted it was somewhat conjecture, Shideler has a few of his own theories as to why that particular demographic is the most common bear attack victim. He noted this is particularly true of hunters. Don't disturb it. Wash your dishes. And, i f you want to be wise when observing bears, keep your distance from the animals. If you do encounter a bear at close distance, remain calm. Black bear claws A big revelation to me was how reluctant black bear mothers are to defend their cubs against people, even when the family is cornered in a den and I’m trying to stick the mother with a needle to tranquilize her. There have been several in the bear’s wilderness habitat involving hikers, hunters, and campers. Many bears live in Alaska and many people enjoy the outdoors, but surprisingly few people even see bears. Once the threat is removed, they will move on. August 6, 2020 (Anchorage) – Employees of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) responded to the location of a fatal bear attack … Error! There is a chance that you may be lucky enough to see a bear. “I mean, it’s news, right? That option is … 1936, Alaska: From More Alaskan Bear Tales Page 267 .22 Rimfire Reference January 31, 1936 black bear A black bear with cubs had chased Mr. Nutter … Don't let them learn human food or garbage is an easy meal. Suite 105 If the conflict is serious and cell service is available, call 911. It primarily used data from the Alaska Trauma Registry. And if bear attacks still have you anxious, you can always camp in your living room instead and watch them from afar as they chomp on salmon in Alaska. The average brown bear encounter is more dangerous—3.5 times more likely to result in injury—than the average polar bear encounter, and 21 times more dangerous than the average black bear encounter. Most people who see a bear in the wild consider it the highlight of their trip. The presence of these majestic creatures is a reminder of how privileged we are to share some of the country's dwindling wilderness. (2016). Bears, like humans, use trails and roads. Food and garbage are equally attractive to a bear so treat them with equal care. Alaska is bear country and one of the few places in the world where all three species of North American bears live. Investigations into most of the incidents compiled in the report show that an estimated 96% of attacks involved brown bears. Alaska went seven years without a fatal bear attack, between 2005 and 2012. Success! In a 2008 study that also involved Smith and Herrero, scientists found that bear spray was 92 percent effective in deterring attacks from the three species of North American bear in Alaska … Wildlife officials in Alaska aren't sure what's causing an increase in bear attacks in their state. On top of this, an increasing number of Alaskans and visitors from out of state are taking advantage of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Gounder, P. et al. The report’s authors also reviewed death certificates from the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Section, as well as law enforcement, National Park Service, and medical examiner reports, to identify the circumstances surrounding fatal bear attacks. The report, however, emphasizes that hospitalizations or fatalities from bear attacks remain “uncommon events.” The report highlights that bear attacks are far less common than many other outdoor causes of injury in Alaska. If Attacked. If a predatory bear attacks you, no matter the species, fight back with everything you have. If getting killed by a bear isn’t on your bucket list, then remember your pepper spray when you visit the regions on this map of the United States. In the 10 years 1975-85, 19 people in Alaska were killed by dogs. Follow him on Twitter: @FDNMoutdoors. The Essentials for Traveling in Bear Country. Bears Are Always Looking for Something to Eat! Infectious Disease Hospitalizations Among American Indian/Alaska Native and Non–American Indian/Alaska Native Persons in Alaska, 2010-2011. For example, the presence of one or more cubs was noted in roughly a third of all incidents. In a show of resilience of the human body, and the determination to live, a father beats the odds after a terribly horrific attack by a brown bear in Alaska. Groups are noisier and easier for bears to detect. Over that same period, there were 500 fatalities due to drowning, almost 250 fatalities due to exposure to the cold, and over 460 hospitalizations due to dog bites. Those recreating or working in the backcountry should always aim to avoid areas where bear attractants, like fish or animal carcasses, are visible. However, during the period between 2000–2017, there were 10 fatalities from eight unique bear attacks, as the stats on bear attacks in Alaska from 2018 show. Every other year, on average, somebody is killed, usually by a brown bear, he said. Although they are rare, they do happen. The National Park Service says a grizzly bear will be located and killed after an attack in Alaska's Denali National Park. Johnson, a contract employee for Pogo Mine, was killed while collecting soil samples. Source of shark attack data: International Shark Attack File, May 13, 2014. “In some ways, it’s good if the story includes some things you can do to prevent attacks. Report all bear encounters. Polar Bear These sprays may be effective at a range of 6-8 yards. Of the 10 fatal bear attack victims, 6 (60%) were Alaska residents, 7 (70%) were male, and 9 (90%) were White (Table 1). If that's not possible, cut your line. Anchorage, AK Female bears can be fierce defenders of their young. Chelminiak lost an eye in the attack… Remember the following: Identify Yourself Let the bear know you are human. Cook away from your tent. Brown/grizzly bears are found from the islands of southeastern Alaska to the arctic. There have been … You have permission to edit this article. Do NOT run during a bluff charge, it may trigger the bear to attack. agardiner@newsminer.com, Fairbanks Arts December Exhibitions: Marianne Stolz and Group f/4: Four Female Fotographers, Oil paintings by Joe Paul- First Friday show, Notice of Availability for a Draft Environmental Impact Statement Addressing Heat and Electrical Upgrades at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Kids Night In at Fairbanks Children's Museum, digital@newsminer.com or advertising@newsminer.com. A study by the state epidemiologist showed that during the first 85 years of this century, only 20 people died in bear attacks in Alaska. Bears may approach or stand on their hind legs to get a better look at you. The report found certain circumstances under which bear attacks are more common. If you can't, try to walk with the wind at your back so your scent will warn bears of your presence. Alaska Population Estimate: 35,000 - 45,000. There was an error processing your request. In the instances involving a second individual who was not seriously injured during the attack, the person either successfully used a bear deterrent or was able to run to a building or other structure for protection. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. In late July of 2008, a grizzly bear charged an unsuspecting fishing party in the Alaskan wilderness. Bear Behavior One of the things that makes Alaska so special is that all three species of North American bears flourish here. We mapped the bear attack statistics from Wikipedia’s List of fatal bear attacks in North America.The oldest person to be attacked and killed by a bear was 93. The injury rate varies among North American national parks. Published by the Alaska Section of Epidemiology in August 2019, the report presents an analysis of all bear attacks in Alaska from 2000-2017, regardless of the victims’ residency. In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they do deserve your respect and attention. Fatal bear attacks in North America have occurred in a variety of settings. Fight any bear that follows you or breaks into a tent or building. The report notes that, in 2017, an estimated 1 in 10 jobs in Alaska were related to the outdoor recreation industry. That said, the researchers note that “extensive media coverage” of bear attacks creates the perception of a higher frequency of hospitalizations and fatalities as a result of bear attacks. A female grizzly bear exits Pelican Creek in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. 1. Winds light and variable. A little after 6:30 p.m. on May 29, a black bear attacked 53-year-old Wasilla resident Mike Becwar, who was out jogging near Pump Station 5, where he works as a wastewater treatment specialist. If you see a bear that is close or it does see you STAY CALM. Avoid crowding bears; respect their "personal space.". Bears have keen noses and are great diggers. Of the brown bear attacks causing human injury in North America, 51 occurred in Alaska, 42 in British Columbia, 29 in Wyoming, 25 in Montana, and 18 in Alberta. If discharged upwind or in a vehicle, they can disable the user. Bureau of Land ManagementNational Park ServiceU.S. Getting between a female and her cubs is a serious mistake. Bears Don't Like Surprises! If you are hiking through bear country, make your presence known-especially where the terrain or vegetation makes it hard to see. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A man who was clearing a trail behind his property in south-central Alaska was found dead with wounds consistent with a bear attack, Alaska … And I think there’s a tendency among young folk, especially the hikers, to carry bear spray,” he said. Some Bears are more tolerant than others, but every bear has a "personal space"-the distance within which a bear feels threatened. Alaska’s culture and employment opportunities also increase the risk of a bear encounter for the state’s residents. We can safely file this under The Most Graphic Thing We’ve Ever Shared. grizzly bear, katmai national park, alaska - grizzly bear attack stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images underwater view of a school of sockeye salmon migrating up the ozernaya river to spawn. In 2010, John Chelminiak, now Bellevue’s deputy mayor, was walking his leashed dogs when a 150-pound black bear assailed him. Color: Brown to black, white patch on front of chest Continue to speak to the bear in a calm voice and make it clear that you are a human. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. 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. Here are the others.] JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A man who was clearing a trail behind his property in south-central Alaska was found dead with wounds consistent with a bear attack, Alaska … In some ways Becwar was fortunate. Five months. For more information, you can visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website here: bit.ly/2YQB56y. The father was out with his son when they encountered the bear. In half of the incidents, the victim was alone at the time of the attack. About 14 percent of the attacks resulted in human fatalities, including 24 deaths in North America, 19 deaths in Europe, and 52 in the East (Russia, Iran, and Turkey). But even if you don’t you will never be far from one. 51 fatal attacks in the last 18 years works out to less than 3 per year on average. Burn garbage completely in a hot fire and pack out the remains. The youngest? The report points out that this is particularly true of Alaskans. Anyone camping should use bear-resistant containers to store food and garbage and keep those containers well away from tents overnight. Some attacks were found to be a result of surprise encounters, which the bear may have perceived to be a threat; others involved a bear guarding or attempting to access a food source. If you are involved with a bear conflict or encounter, report it to park authorities as soon as possible. Globally, attack victims were almost exclusively adults, and most attacks occurred while the person was alone, during the summer, and in daylight hours. here one of them has a deep cut most likely after it had survived an attack by a brown bear, kamchatka, russia. Length: 7 - 9 feet Statistics show the best ways to react to bears when you see them: If you see a bear that is far away or doesn't see you turn around and go back, or circle far around. Brown bears, also called grizzly bears, are found nearly everywhere in Alaska. This incident took place in 2016 on April 15th. Take appropriate precautions. 1. 0. But it's not the first time man and bear have gotten too close in alaska. Length: 5 feet “That’s a demographic in this state that most resident and nonresident hunters fit very well,” he said. A 2011 CBS news report said that more people are injured by moose than bears each year but rarely are people killed by moose attacks. The killing of an Eagle River hiker marks the 6th fatal bear attack in Alaska in the past 10 years. It is both foolish and illegal to feed bears, either on purpose or by leaving food or garbage that attracts them. Usually the bear is defending itself after being surprised or is protecting its young or a fresh kill. Last weekend, a hunter was fatally attacked by a grizzly bear in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska.The National Park Service (NPS) confirmed the attack this week, USA Today reports. Wildlife officials in Alaska aren't sure what's causing an increase in bear attacks in their state. Contact staff writer Alistair Gardiner at 459-7575. Remember, pets and their food may also attract bears. One of the things that makes Alaska so special is that all three species of North American bears flourish here. Color: Dark brown to blonde Attacks are rare. Bear attack mortality was variable across age groups and regions of Alaska (Table 1; Figure 3). Bears have only about six months to build up fat reserves for their long winter hibernation. Don't Run You can't outrun a bear. When photographing bears, use long lenses; getting close for a great shot could put you inside the danger zone. Bear Attack Statistics / USGS Report Posted by Zachary Royce on May 26 2004 This, and other relevant reports are available in the "Brown and Black Bears Projects" section of the USGS's Alaska Science Center--Biological Science Office website: www.absc.usgs.gov. Forest Service, Photo credits: Larry Aumiller, K. Whitten, John Hyde, 605 West 4th Avenue If you’re recreating, taking actions like making noise, traveling with a little space between group members, and avoiding low visibility situations like thick brush can all help to alert bears to your presence and may reduce your chances of scaring one. It is illegal to carry firearms in some of Alaska's national parks, so check before you go. Source of fatal bear attack statistics: “Fatal Attacks by American Black Bear on People: 1900-2009” by Stephen Herrero, Andrew Higgins, James E. Cardoza, Laura I. Hajduk & Tom S. Smith; published in the April, 2011 issue of the Journal of Wildlife Management.. Attacks are rare. “The media response to it is one of the things that makes people sit up and take notice,” he continued. In that way, it becomes a tool for learning.”, The aim of the report is laid out in its introduction, which states that the examination of bear attacks in Alaska could provide the public with “objective knowledge that can be used to help reduce the frequency of attacks and to put the risk of their occurrence into perspective.”. Half of the attacks occurred in June and all occurred during June through October. They have been clocked at speeds up to 35 mph, and like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. This area is … Black bears inhabit most of Alaska’s forests. That's more than grizzly bear and black bear attacks combined [source: Smith ]. This may be the first fatal bear attack in denali national park history. We’ve experienced a spate of bear attacks that have resulted in two fatalities. “It’s very unusual to have human contact, so that’s really rare,” Alaska Department of Fish and game Area Biologist Roy Churchwell told the ADN. The report found that 70% of bear attacks occurred between June and October and that hospitalizations were most common among men, white people and people ages 50 to 59 years old. There have only been six fatal bear attacks in Alaska … Give bears plenty of room. Bear Behavior Only 11 parks have had more than one bear-related death, and six of them are in Alaska. You may try to back away slowly diagonally, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground.