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!