In this file photo from October 2014, a black bear sow and her cub walk along the Trail of Time at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The pair had just finished eating a freshly caught coho salmon from Steep Creek and moved into the forest in search of ground cones. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

In this file photo from October 2014, a black bear sow and her cub walk along the Trail of Time at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The pair had just finished eating a freshly caught coho salmon from Steep Creek and moved into the forest in search of ground cones. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Bear activity expected to spike as hibernation approaches

Before bears head into hibernation for the winter, they’re looking for high-calorie foods.

According to the Juneau Police Department, residents cannot put out trash before 4 a.m. on pickup days, and barbecues and smokers should be closely monitored. Chicken coops and bird feeders should be constructed or placed in such a fashion as to limit bear interactions. JPD also advises people not to store food outdoors even though the temperatures are low.

Bear activity should be increasing in town this time of year, and should not be approached or harassed. JPD would like to remind residents to call if a bear is acting aggressively or people are in danger, but not to call “if a bear is just being a bear.”

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 3

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Voters at Anchorage City Hall wait in line to cast their ballots on Monday, the day before Election Day. City hall, in downtown Anchorage, was one of the designated early voting sites in the state’s largest city; however, it is not an Election Day polling site. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
How to vote in Alaska: Options abound, but the deadline is almost here

In-person, mail, electronic and fax voting still possible on Election Day.

The Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, appears on stage with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., center, and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders during a campaign rally at the J.S. Dorton Arena on Nov. 4, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
‘Election Day is not results day’: Get ready for a wait to find out who’s president

Some Alaska results may not be known until 15 days after Election Day.

A voter talks to election officials at a early voting station at the State Office Building on Monday. Alaskans, like the rest of the U.S., are casting early ballots at a record pace ahead of Tuesday’s election. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
In longshot scenario of Electoral College tie, winner of Alaska’s House race may pick the next president

By-state vote in House means Peltola or Begich could determine winner; Murkowski’s vote could pick VP.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

“I voted” stickers featuring Tlingit artwork by James Johnson are displayed on a table at an early voting station at the Mendenhall Mall annex Oct. 30. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
In ballot issues, voting and democracy are having a moment

While other states consider implementing ranked choice voting, Alaska may be first state to repeal it.

A docked cruise ship, the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, is seen in Seward’s harbor on June 19 from the Race Point on Mount Marathon. The Port of Seward received a Clean Ports Program grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a shore-based system to power cruise ships when they are docked in town. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Seward gets grant for shore-based system to power docked cruise ships

Town on track to be second in Alaska, after Juneau, to provide such facilities.

Most Read