BEAR  OF  ALASKA

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Many people who live in what is commonly referred to as the "lower 48 states" in the U.S. actually know little of the beautiful state of Alaska. Such people think that Alaska is merely a barren, cold and dry place. That is true but, not merely so. Alaska is full of life! Alaska has 110 mammal species which includes 20 species of whale that call Alaska home. There are many more species of birds and fish.

Bears are the most common mammal seen in Alaska: there are five kinds in Alaska, two are sub-species of the Brown, the other two are Polar and the Black. The Brown is the most popular of all bear species in Alaska.

Alaska has at least 98% of the U.S. Brown Bear population and 70% of the total North American Brown Bear population. The two sub species of Brown Bear are the Grizzly and the Kodiak. The Kodiak Bear is the largest.

Black Bears are the smallest of all bear species in Alaska, however, their population is much larger. Like other bear species in Alaska, the Black Bear are opportunistic eaters. In Alaska's urban areas Black Bear have become a nuisance digging through trash and making messes, thus making them more dangerous to people because of close proximity of residential areas.

The Polar Bear is a very large animal and a large adult male can weigh as much as 1500 lbs. However, a 1500 lbs Polar Bear is rare and most males weigh only about 600 to 1200 lbs. Polar Bear teeth are specialized for a carnivorous diet of fish, seals, reindeer or whatever else it might catch. All other Alaskan bear subsist on an omnivorous diet.

Bears are most dangerous when eating or a sow (female bear) with her cubs. However, all bears, not just those in Alaska, are very dangerous animals" you should never approach or feed one If you ever happen upon one in the wild, or if one ever approaches: STAND STILL! You should NEVER make eye contact with the bear. And, this one goes against most people's instinct to turn and run, however, you should NEVER turn your back on a bear! Please, make sure you stay safe when walking in bear territory and NEVER go alone into an area that is known to be inhabited by bear. 

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