Bear activity around Sitka has picked up recently, and wildlife managers want to remind people to be safe around their homes and on their hikes.
Tom Schumacher is a regional management coordinator for the Department of Fish and Game, based in Juneau. He says bears usually begin to come out of hibernation in the spring but the temperate winter means they’ll probably be more active than normal.
“Vegetation is ahead of what it normally is this time of year and that’s what they’re seeking when they come out of their dens,” he said.
Police reports have noted bears sightings at Halibut Point Road Recreation Area, and on the Herring Cove and Mosquito Cove Trails. The Sitka Bear Report Facebook page also mentions a bear was seen on Edgecumbe Drive over the weekend and one was spotted at the Benchlands–between Kramer and Harbor Mountain Road–Tuesday (4-12-16).
Schumacher says increased bear activity means people should secure attractants, such as garbage and bird feed, as well as clean grills after use. Without human-caused attractants, bears will move to other areas and seek natural foods.
Runners and joggers should keep their eyes open for signs of bears in the morning and evenings. Schumacher says going out in groups or making noise are both good ideas to stay safe.
Sitka is currently without an area wildlife biologist, as Phil Mooney retired last month and the new scientist is set to arrive mid-May. If there is an incident that requires darting or trapping before then, Schumacher says, fish and game’s response time will be slow.
“At this point it’s best if people are extra vigilant and take measures to make sure they don’t have problems,” he said.
Steve Bethune is the new wildlife biologist for Sitka. He’s moving from Craig, where he had been the assistant management biologist in the Prince of Wales/Ketchikan area.
