Page 44 - Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula Bearfoot

Avoid Encounters
Visibility. Stay where you can see and be seen. Don't hike alone. Stay close together. Keep talking. Don't wear iPod headphones. Don't walk into thick brush. If you find your- self in thick brush along a river, on a trail or on a hillside, get out your bear spray, and hold it as you walk.
Know When To Back Away And When To Leave
If you see a bear, don't try to get closer. Plan a different route, keep quiet and leave. If a bear is headed in your direction, retreat. If you have a salmon on your line and a bear comes over and is interested, you must cut the line and let the fish go.
Fishing Safety
Put your lunch in a backpack and wear it. Don't leave your lunch on the bank. Keep any fish you catch in the water, not on the shore. Make lots of noise if you're walk- ing along a brushy river, especially if you can't see around the bend. Lots of fishermen call out a repetitive phrase while walking on narrow trails with poor visibility. This warns bears of your presence. Don't fish in the dark.
Camp Safety
Make camp early, while it is still light, so you can check out an area. You can ask other campers if they've seen bears in the area. Always sleep in a tent or RV. Don't store food in a tent. Keep your food and catch in bearproof contain- ers inside a vehicle - not in a cooler under your camper.
If A Bear Approaches
Don't Run. Put on your backpack. Assess the situation- determine if things are likely to get out of hand.
a.) How close are you? b.) Do you see cubs? Check twice. c.) Doyouseeorsmellamoosekill? d.) What's the best way to leave?
The Bear Is Standing Up
Speak calmly. Get out your bear spray. Back away. Bears can sound really mad, but don't run. You don't want to trigger a chase.
The Bear Is Charging Toward You
Don't run. Take the safety off your bear spray. If it is a grizzly - start spraying. Remember, bear spray is a close range weapon. If it's very windy or rainy, its effect will be limited. Spray low. Keep your backpack on. The bear may veer off into the brush at the last minute. Play dead while protecting your neck if a griz- zly actually attacks.
If it is a black bear - use your bear spray. Also get ready to fight. Pick up a stick, or use your hiking stick as if the black bear were a mean dog. Studies show that bear spray is a good choice for most people in Alaska. Alaskans and tourists can readily buy this relatively safe form of bear protection at virtually any sporting goods store for under fifty dollars.