By now you should approach the wilderness of Alaska! If you do find there something bizarre like a WLAN-spot, send us some photos, please, or your diaries of daily wonder and survival!:) I will never understand how you can travel through Canada’s deserted north without having a gun at hand for hungry or furious blackbears! But, well, you have the experience! During such a long trip, you will surely meet a bunch of crazy and lovely humans out there. I imagine Klaus picking up a six-string acoustic guitar and performing Neil Young’s heartbreaking „Tell Me Why“ in an old bar full of long-bearded ex-hippies, drug dealers and country music lovers! X, Michael
1 Comment
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Michael Engelbrecht:
Gut, ich habe mich mal kundig gemacht. Totstellen ist aber schon ne harte Nummer (s.u.)…
Statistics show the best ways to react to bears when you see them:
If you see a bear that is far away or doesn’t see you turn around and go back, or circle far around. Don’t disturb it.
If you see a bear that is close or it does see you STAY CALM. Attacks are rare. Bears may approach or stand on their hind legs to get a better look at you. These are curious, not aggressive, bears. BE HUMAN. Stand tall, wave your arms, and speak in a loud and low voice. DO NOT RUN! Stand your ground or back away slowly and diagonally. If the bear follows, STOP.
If a bear is charging almost all charges are „bluff charges“. DO NOT RUN! Olympic sprinters cannot outrun a bear and running may trigger an instinctive reaction to „chase“. Do not try to climb a tree unless it is literally right next to you and you can quickly get at least 30 feet up. STAND YOUR GROUND. Wave your arms and speak in a loud low voice. Many times charging bears have come within a few feet of a person and then veered off at the last second.
If a bear approaches your campsite aggressively chase it away. Make noise with pots and pans, throw rocks, and if needed, hit the bear. Do not let the bear get any food.
If you have surprised a bear and are contacted or attacked and making noise or struggling has not discouraged an attack, play dead. Curl up in a ball with your hands laced behind your neck. The fetal position protects your vital organs. Lie still and be silent. Surprised bears usually stop attacking once you are no longer a threat (i.e. „dead“).If you have been stalked by a bear, a bear is approaching your campsite, or an attack is continuing long after you have ceased struggling, fight back! Predatory bears are often young bears that can be successfully intimidated or chased away. Use a stick, rocks or your hands and feet.
Protection
Most people who hike in Alaska’s wilderness don’t carry a weapon. They know that the best defense is common sense. Traveling and camping carefully are all that they need. If you feel the need for additional protection, consider carrying „pepper spray“, a bear deterrent made from the juice of red-hot peppers. This incapacitating spray teaches bears a lesson without permanently maiming them. It’s available at local sporting goods stores and at visitor centers. Be familiar with the characteristics of the brand you choose and its warnings.
You are allowed to carry a gun for protection in state parks. Remember, though, that more people are hurt by the guns they carry than are hurt by bears. Select a gun that will stop a bear (12-gauge shotgun or .300 mag rifle) and practice firing it at a rifle range. Any bear shot in self defense must be salvaged and turned over to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.