Riding in Alaska’s backcountry comes with its own set of rules. 

Every year thousands of human-bear interactions occur in the state and very, very few have any physical contact. Of those that do, assessing the situation and following simple rules can help to avoid and limit an attack.

In our 6 year history, no client or guide has ever been physically contacted or even threatened by a bear.

The following is a brief introduction to the bears found in Alaska. Before any outdoor activity in Alaska, with a guide or not, it is important to discuss your bear safety plan with the group. This includes how you plan to avoid confrontation, how to read and react to a particular situation, and what defenses to use. Any outdoor activity in Alaska has the potential for an encounter.

Brown Bear

Alaska’s coastal Brown Bears are distinct from the Grizzly, thanks in part to a steady, protein rich diet that contributes to their enormous size. These animals are known to be more aggressive and territorial than black bear. A bear may feel threatened if it is surprised with young offspring or protecting food. A kill site is especially dangerous as bears remain in the area feeding and aggressively protecting food.  Strong odors, fur, blood, and tracks are all signs that a bear had successfully hunted in the area.

Brown bears do not actively hunt or pursue humans as prey.  In the event of a confrontation it is generally best to show the bear there is more than one of you by standing side by side, looking big, keeping the bike between you and the bear, and finally playing dead to show you present no threat if contact occurs.

In reality, Alaska is nothing like reality tv.

Black Bear

Black bears are are smaller, less aggressive bears that thrive throughout the Chugach National Forest. They are curious scavengers and only very rarely attack humans but should still be considered dangerous. To avoid confrontations, travel in groups of 3 or more and make noise. Avoid traveling at dawn and dusk, although bears are active throughout the day. Generally speaking, you should  fight back if contacted by a black bear. 

Polar Bears

We do have polar bears in Alaska, but it’s a big state. In comparison, if we were in Dallas, TX the nearest polar bear would be in Fargo, ND.

Bear scat in the yard.

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