It’s important to be bear aware this summer – and always

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson vagrant stalked his target from the shadows. This dump site had proven to be a reliable source of nutrients; and after all, hunger can drive a creature to act erratically. Enter the unsuspecting victim, an Airman disposing of refuse. Instinctively, our vagrant, a JBER black bear, saunters dumbly toward the tasty morsels within the rubbish pile. His patience will be rewarded. Stories like the one described above are commonplace throughout social media blogs.

Throughout JBER and many other Alaska communities, bear encounters have been on the rise this summer. In an effort to reduce preventable encounters and educate the public,

JBER conservation law enforcement officers provide some tips when living and recreating in bear country.

At JBER there are strict rules which regulate when tipster trashcans can be parked outside for disposal, said James Wendland, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron chief conservation law enforcement officer. Negligence on a person’s part can result in a hefty fine, or worse yet, an encounter.

“We responded to three calls just this morning because there was a bear getting into people’s trash cans,” Wendland said. “One actually ran over a guy’s vehicle when it saw us pull up.”

Per Aurora Military Housing policy, tipster trash cans must be taken out the morning of pickup, and returned to storage immediately. At all other times, tipsters should be stored min the garage to remain in compliance with JBER’s Wildlife Policies. When exploring the vast recreating space that is the Last Frontier, CLEOs encourage people to carry bear spray as a deterrence.

“I’m almost positive if [people] didn’t have bear spray during some of the recent attacks, the situation would have been a whole lot worse,” Wendland said.

When the seal is broken and the capsaicin plume billows toward the intended target, who or what rests on the receiving end is likely to dissipate faster than the neon orange mist. family know when and where you’re recreating, so they can take action if you don’t return on time.

Red is all anyone is likely to see after experiencing the full effects of bear mace. CLEOs also encourage people recreate without the use of headphones.

Situational awareness is key, and mthe use of headphones often hinders an individuals ability to hear some of the noises wildlife make to warn intruders.

Making loud noises while walking the trails will further alert the wildlife of your presence and reduce a surprise encounter. While some may seek solitude

within the wild wilderness, it is always important to let friends or family know when and where you’re recreating, so they can take action if you don’t return on time.

At JBER, people exploring the lakes and other recreation sites must check in and out through the iSportsman system, a great tool which CLEOs argue helps ensure the public’s safety.Bears are likely to remain at JBER, and so long as people live on base, they must learn to live together safely.

For more information or to report a nuisance moose, contact the conservation law enforcement desk at 552-2436.