It is not uncommon to see many of Alaska’s finest animals, including brown or black bears, on JBER. Here are some tips to stay safe in your neighborhood.
DO
- Keep your distance (no selfies!)
- Stay in groups: Bears are unlikely to approach groups of people.
- Make noise: The worst thing to do is catch an animal off guard. Bear Bells are a great way to announce your presence.
- Follow Aurora and JBER’s disposal regulations:
- Do not leave trash cans sitting out by the curb.
- Store trash cans in the garage.
- Do not allow trash cans to overflow.
- Remove bird feeders from yards.
- Game cleanup must be done in your garage, not outside.
DO NOT
- Feed them.
- Run.
SIGNS OF AGGRESSION
- Snorting, lowered head, folded back ears, huffing, nodding head, crunching teeth.
- Bears may charge and then stop short of contact to attempt to intimidate a perceived threat. Stand your ground if this happens!
IF BEING ATTACKED
- Make noise, make yourself appear larger.
- The general rule is to fight back; if the animal perceives risk, it is more likely to pull back. Aim for the nose, eyes, use a sharp or blunt object if you have one.
- Spray bear spray in the path of a charging bear. Be conscious of wind direction!