Study reveals activities of local bear population

  • Published
  • By Renée Nelson
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Common portrayals of bears range from the benign teddy-bear persona of Winnie the Pooh to the helpful and respected image of Smokey the Bear, from the harassed and misunderstood performing bear in "Dr. Doolittle 2" to the ferocious, man-killers in "Legends of the Fall." 

The truth about bears in the wild is somewhere in between; most bears in the local area are wary and attempt to avoid contact with humans. This is one of the messages supported by a recent two-year study by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, in conjunction with Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. 

"We basically wanted to answer three questions," said Dr. Sean Farley, bear research biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. "Where do they go, what do they eat and how many are there?" Dr. Farley will present the findings of the study to Arctic Warriors at 6:30 p.m. May 5 at the base theater. The study will serve as a baseline for the brown bear population for land management purposes. 

According to a recent Department media release, 11 adult bears, including several sows with cubs, were captured and fitted with GPS collars programmed to record hourly locations and to track their movements. Researchers located the bears from a small plane and downloaded location data showing each bear's movements during two-week periods. These locations enabled researchers to identify habitat and movement corridors as the bears traveled from den sites to salmon streams. 

"Bears are difficult to track," said Herman Griese, Elmendorf wildlife biologist. "It was a real eye opener when we reviewed the results of this research." 

Maps illustrating the bears' movement show travel throughout most of the installation, especially along corridors of green belts, the Knik Arm bluff and along Sixmile Creek. Abundant foliage provides natural cover for these animals that routinely move undetected across the base. 

"We could be within 50 feet of one of the bears and would only know it was there because of the GPS collar," said Dr. Farley. "They're incredibly adept at concealing themselves." 

Blood and hair samples were collected from the captured bears, according to the release. Researchers analyzed these samples to calculate the brown bear diet. On average, their summer diet consisted of 35 percent to 40 percent salmon, 30 percent moose, and the remainder berries and vegetation. 

"This information is critical to our residents and employees," said Brig. Gen. Tom Tinsley, 3rd Wing commander. "At this time of year when bears are leaving their dens, it's too early for the salmon run or for hillside berries. They'll be hungry and looking for whatever they can find to eat." 

With their primary food sources more limited in the spring, smells from outside buildings and residences can attract hungry predators. 

"Many items can attract bears including garbage, human food, fish or game parts, pet food, wild bird food, unclean barbecue grills and fish smokers, and even petroleum products in soft containers," said Mr. Griese. "Removing or reducing these attractants around residences, offices and family camp units can reduce the chance of a problem." 

Researchers collected more than 450 hair samples from trees and low vegetation along Campbell Creek in Bicentennial Park, along Sixmile Creek on Elmendorf, and from various hiking trails on Fort Richardson. DNA analysis of these samples identified a minimum of 20 individual brown bears using Bicentennial Park and the Campbell tract area, and 15 brown bears using Fort Richardson and Elmendorf. Some bears crossed into all areas sampled. Throughout the study area 36 brown bears were identified by hair samples and other means, which represents an absolute minimum number of animals, according to the media release. 

In addition, experts said the number of black bears in the area is likely two- to four- times the number of brown bears, translating to an estimated 30 to 60 black bears on Elmendorf and Fort Richardson property. The base is also home to moose, coyote, wolves, and a variety of other species that may pose a risk to humans, although on-base reports of incidents with these animals are rare. 

On base, people should report any bear sightings near housing and industrial areas to the Law Enforcement desk at 552-3421/4444. Reporting bears seen in wooded areas away from human activity is unnecessary. 

"Wildlife is one of the many attractions of Alaska, but sometimes we forget that we're in the midst of their natural habitat even on base," said General Tinsley. "With the proper awareness and precautions, we can enjoy flora and fauna in this state and keep ourselves and our families safe." 

Salmon-spawning streams are limited in the Anchorage area, and salmon are a critical food source to coastal brown bears. Collared bears were observed moving from den sites in the Chugach Mountains to salmon-spawning streams in the Anchorage Bowl, such as the north and south forks of Campbell Creek and Sixmile Creek on Elmendorf. The GPS and DNA data appear to show the Glenn Highway, particularly the fenced portion, is a partial barrier to bear movement from the mountains to the coast. 

Brown bears are not just visitors in the Anchorage Bowl; many of them spend most of the summer in areas frequented by people, according to the study. 

"Bears follow the same streams and trails on base and in Anchorage that we do," said Mr. Griese. "It's important that people recognize that they're there and can be dangerous, even if we don't always see them." 

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game web site at www.adfg.state.ak.us includes information on traveling through bear country in a brochure called "Bear Facts."