JBER wildlife springs into action

Published May 23, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Valerie Monroy
JBER Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The snow has melted, the grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson we're not the only ones to notice. While people come out to enjoy the sun and fresh air, the local wildlife begins to do the same.

Many different animals can be seen on JBER, but there are a select few that people should pay extra attention to.

"We've got a little bit of everything, but the main ones are bears, moose and wolves," said James Wendland, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron chief of conservation law enforcement. "Other animals do show up, like porcupines or beavers, but they're not normally an issue."

The animals all have their own cycles, Wendland said. When bears first come out of their dens in the spring, they're hungry and they're out looking for food, he continued.
"A lot of the bears have new cubs and from the first part of spring to mid-June they become a real issue," Wendland said.

The main problem that leads to bears in base housing areas, comes from the people who live there, he explained.

"People need to make sure their trash isn't put out until the day of trash pick-up; dumpsters are closed correctly; and no food sources are dumped near housing," Wendland said. "If you see any bears, the main thing to remember is they're not like the neighborhood dog. Don't approach them or get close and surround the animal."

Keeping grills clean, removing bird feeders and remembering that children may not be able to close bear-resistant dumpster, are also things to keep in mind.

This time of year, moose are the biggest concern, said Wendland. The cows are beginning to have their calves and have figured out it's safer to give birth in housing areas rather than in the woods where the bears and wolves are, he continued.
"The cows are just being good moms and trying to protect their young," Wendland said. "We've had some cows that have given birth in the same backyard year after year."

Because the cows are protecting their young, people should keep a larger distance. Wendland said children should be extra careful when taking shortcuts to school through the woods and give all wildlife lots of space.

Though it is important to be aware of potential dangers, the outdoors shouldn't be avoided altogether.

The JBER Wildlife Education Center is a free, hands-on way to learn about Alaska's wildlife and what to do if you come in contact with them.

The center offers natural resource and habitat displays, interactive exhibits, Alaska mammal education buckets, and a movie corner featuring bear and moose safety videos and wildlife education shows.

"We have about 200 Alaska wildlife mounts representing mammals, birds and fish from different Alaska ecosystems and habitats," said Jill Hubert, museum coordinator for the wildlife education center. "We're here to encourage people to get out and enjoy nature, and the more they learn from coming here, the better prepared they will be out there."

The center is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday and Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., subject to staff availability.