Southeast Alaska is bear country. This time of year, Alaska\u2019s ursine denizens are frequenting neighborhoods and local trails looking for food, often putting themselves within viewing distance of curious hikers, kayakers and campers.<\/p>\n
Recently, bear activity at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (MGRA) has increased, the Alaska Department of Fish &Game wrote in a Wednesday press release. Mild winters have been good to local bears, allowing them to stay healthy and produce cubs, ADF&G said.<\/p>\n
ADF&G has received multiple reports of female bears with new cubs in the Juneau area. Bear mothers, or sows, can become agitated if they think their cubs are in danger.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what Fish &Game wants you to know to stay safe while in bear territory.<\/p>\n
A fed bear is a dead bear<\/span><\/p>\n \u2022 Bears are intelligent creatures and aren\u2019t limited to picnic baskets or pots of honey. They\u2019re looking for trash, chickens, barbecue drippings and pet and horse food, to name a few. Once bears become habituated to human food, they can become public safety hazards.<\/p>\n To avoid unintentionally feeding bears, manage your garbage, dog food and birdseed by keeping it out of reach. Secure garbage in bear-proof containers<\/a> and keep it inside until just before scheduled pickup.<\/p>\n \u2022 For those keeping chickens or ducks, Fish &Game suggests installing electric fencing.<\/p>\n \u2022 Camping provides its own food issues. Plan how to keep food and bears separate before you head to your cabin or campsite. Keep a clean camp. If possible, hang your food where bears can\u2019t reach it or place it in bear-proof food containers.<\/p>\n Cook where you can see and avoid cooking smelly foods as bears use their noses to search for food. Don\u2019t fish around bears and don\u2019t sleep where you eat and cook.<\/p>\n