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Black Bears Causing Ruckus At Glacier Bay National Park

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Published Date

July 19, 2017

Why did the black bear cross the road at Glacier Bay National Park? To try to get some human food/NPS

Young black bears have been getting into trouble at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, where they've been hanging out in the Bartlett Cove Developed Area trying to get into trash and into buildings. One even managed to get into a house and got some food.

Park staff say one bear tried to break into a truck containing empty compost buckets and damaged the truck’s mirror and fenders.

As a result, Glacier Bay Bear Management Staff are patrolling Bartlett Cove daily looking for food and trash that bears might be able to access as well as hazing all sub-adult black bears seen in the developed area. Hazing methods include yelling, chasing, paintballs, slingshots and non-lethal shotgun beanbag rounds. The goal is to teach the bears to be wary of people and buildings so that they do not have an opportunity to obtain human food again.

There have been no reports of aggressive behavior towards visitors from these bears, but for your safety please you're asked to:

  • Keep all food, trash, or other potential attractant inside housing/lodging units, designated storage caches, or car. Keep your door closed and close your windows if you are asleep or are not present.
  • Report bears in the Bartlett Cove Developed Area to the Visitor Information Station.
  • Walk around blind corners cautiously, make noise and pay attention to your surroundings. If a bear is cornered on a trail or boardwalk, move so the bear has a route to escape. 
  • Learn what to do if you encounter a bear, and consider carrying bear pepper spray. 

Please report all bear encounters to the Visitor Information Station from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and contact the station (907-697-2627) for the most current information regarding bear incidents in the area. For after hour emergencies call 907-697-2651.

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