The evolution of Juneau's bear problem
1987: Twenty-one urban bears shot in Juneau.
2000: Five urban bears shot in Juneau.
Summer 2000: Juneau police receive more than 1,000 calls about bears.
September 2000: Community members begin informal patrol to document urban bear activity.
November 2000: Mayor Sally Smith organizes the ad hoc Urban Bear Committee. The group meets and offers first recommendations.
May 2001: Juneau Assembly passes garbage ordinance.
June 2001: Police are directed not to shoot bears unless human safety is a compelling factor.
July 2001: Mayor disbands bear committee.
August 2001: Mayor re-forms bear committee when problems persist.
September 2001: Police log more than 1,000 calls about bears over the summer. Alaska Department of Fish and Game receives 300 to 500 calls.