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Bear activity expected to spike as hibernation approaches

Published 2:10 pm Friday, October 27, 2017

By Juneau Empire

In this file photo from October 2014, a black bear sow and her cub walk along the Trail of Time at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The pair had just finished eating a freshly caught coho salmon from Steep Creek and moved into the forest in search of ground cones. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this file photo from October 2014, a black bear sow and her cub walk along the Trail of Time at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The pair had just finished eating a freshly caught coho salmon from Steep Creek and moved into the forest in search of ground cones. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Before bears head into hibernation for the winter, they’re looking for high-calorie foods.

According to the Juneau Police Department, residents cannot put out trash before 4 a.m. on pickup days, and barbecues and smokers should be closely monitored. Chicken coops and bird feeders should be constructed or placed in such a fashion as to limit bear interactions. JPD also advises people not to store food outdoors even though the temperatures are low.

Bear activity should be increasing in town this time of year, and should not be approached or harassed. JPD would like to remind residents to call if a bear is acting aggressively or people are in danger, but not to call “if a bear is just being a bear.”

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