Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

Bears are all around us in Alaska, including Anchorage, but we rarely see them. Bears are wary of humans and will go out of their way to avoid them. Whether you're in a city park, traveling in the backcountry or visiting a designated bear-viewing location, observing some basic rules can help ensure your safety.

Stay alert

The sooner you are aware of a bear's presence, the more time you and the bear will have to react appropriately. Watch out for bear signs (scat, tracks, dead salmon on trails). At trail heads, look for posted signs about recent bear activity.

No dogs

It's best to leave your dog at home. Otherwise, keep it on a leash.

Safety in numbers

The larger your group, the less risk of a bear attack. Stay in a group, particularly if visibility is poor.

Keep a safe distance

Never approach a bear, even from a boat or kayak. Give bears plenty of space; allow room for them to get past you, if need be.

Be visible and make noise

Avoid surprise encounters by traveling in areas with good visibility. Make noise as you walk. Be extra alert in windy conditions or near noisy streams that may mask your sounds.

Store your food properly

Don't leave food out. Store it in your vehicle or a bear-proof locker or container. Cook at least 100 feet downwind of your campsite, and pack out all trash.

Don't feed bears

Bears that get used to the idea of people as sources of food become nuisance bears that pose a threat to humans and have to be killed.

For more information: www.alaskabears.alaska.gov.

Sources: National Park Service, Alaska Public Lands Information Center, Alaska State Parks.