Animal Control Issues Warning on Bears and Humans

Animal Control Issues Warning on Bears and Humans

By Shana Anderson
Animal Control Officer

VALDEZ - Now that summer is here, we are seeing the return of the bears to this area. As long as people and bears occupy the same lands, there will be some human/bear problems and encounters. For hundreds of years the bears have passed through what is now Alpine Woods, Robe River Subdivision, Aleutian Village, Valdez Mobile Home Park, the Airport, Dump Road, and Mann Camp. These are normal bear routes to salmon streams and berry patches.

Bears are interesting and exciting, but they are also unpredictable, wild, powerful, and dangerous. While we can't always keep the bears from coming near our homes, we can take some precautions to keep the bears from making repeated visits. If they find nothing to interest them or to feed on, the bears will move on.

Some precautions to take:
1. Keep all garbage tightly wrapped in a container with a lid. You may want to use rubber straps to hold the lid down. It would even be better to place garbage outdoors only on they days there is refuse pickup and then away from your house or trailer and near the street. The best way to eliminate the problem of bears being attracted to the smell of garbage is to haul the garbage out to the baler yourself.

2. Bears love dog food! Keep dog food in your house. A wannigan or shed as a storage place may not be strong enough to keep a bear from smelling the food. If your dogs are outdoor dogs, feed them once or twice a day and then remove the dog dishes and any leftover food.

3. Never place fishing equipment, rubber boots, rain gear, etc. on your porch or against the side of your house. Waste from cleaning fish should be removed from your living area and not left in garbage cans or back yards. Don't forget that barbecue grill or smoker. When you are through using them, lock them up or a bear may be joining you for breakfast!

According to Valdez Municipal Code 5AAC 92.230:
NO PERSON MAY INTENTIONALLY FEED A BEAR, WOLF, FOX, OR WOLVERINE OR INTENTIONALLY LEAVE HUMAN FOOD OR GARBAGE IN A MANNER THAT ATTRACTS THESE ANIMALS.

As of May 1, 1991, the Valdez Animal Control and the Valdez Police Department will issue citations for those persons or businesses who, in violation of 5AAC 92.230, attract bear to their residences or business or to those to their neighbors.

Preventing problems with bears in much easier than trying to reverse problems. Keeping your area clean and making absolutely sure there is no available food will help keep the bears moving on. If you should see a bear near your home call the Valdez Police Department/Animal Control at 835-4560 immediately. Help make this a fun and safe summer for your family, your neighbors and those other neighbors, the bears. (For more information call Animal Control at 835-4560).