Moose and Bears, Oh My!
Adventuring in Alaska presents unique opportunities to observe wildlife. While seeing bald eagles soar over mountain peaks or watching Dall sheep graze along rocky cliffs is thrilling, encountering larger critters is a different story. Running into a moose or bear on the trail can be intimidating, or downright dangerous if handled improperly. Here are some tips for hiking safely in their domain.
Make noise by talking or singing. Surprising a moose or bear can trigger their “fight” response, but if they hear you approaching, they'll typically move away.
Never approach wildlife. Give an animal plenty of space so it doesn't feel threatened. Wait for it to yield the trail, but if it doesn't, then you should.
Female moose and bears are very protective of their young. Avoid getting between a mom and her offspring.
If a moose approaches or charges you, get behind a tree or large rock. Be aware that moose can use their front hooves to defend themselves. Males might also wield their weighty antlers to intimidate intruders.
If you meet a bear while hiking and it doesn't run off, stand still and make yourself look as big as possible by raising your arms. Yell firmly at the bear, repeatedly if it lingers. If you're with other people, group together and take the same actions. Carrying pepper spray in bear country is a good idea; be sure it's handy rather than buried in your pack. Practice periodically with pepper spray so you know how to deploy it if necessary.
Besides looking and listening for moose or bears while you're hiking, pay attention to smells too. A rotten smell might indicate a dead animal, which could attract a bear, or it might be an active “bear kill.” It’s best to leave the area immediately. Notify the Alaska Department of Fish and Game if you see obvious bear activity on a carcass anywhere near a recreational trail.
While these types of close encounters are quite rare, it's smart to assume they could happen. Learn to be aware of your surroundings so you can enjoy Alaska's wildlife safely.