Biologists say dozens of grizzlies are in Anchorage

Originally published Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 8:08 a.m.
Updated Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 8:57 a.m.

  • Print story
  • E-mail story
  • Comments

ANCHORAGE -- A study by the Department of Fish and Game on grizzlies in Anchorage has come up with some surprising findings.

The study found that one of the busiest avenues for bears runs right through Campbell Creek. While biologists knew the area was popular with bears, they were surprised to find out just how many were hanging out along the stream.

Research conducted over the past three summers has documented at least three dozen bears focused in or near the stream but roaming large ranges that in some cases stretch all the way to the Little Susitna River west of Wasilla, according to the Anchorage Daily News.

It appears they are coming from several valleys in the Chugach Mountains above Anchorage.

Sean Farley, a bear research biologist with Fish and Game, says it was surprising to find out how many bears actually live in Anchorage, and near its approximately 300,000 residents.

Community Discussion

Newsminer.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full user's agreement.

  1. SHERRYO
    4/29/2008, 12:01 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    WELL HOW MANY????

  2. Chesapeakes
    4/29/2008, 12:31 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    ha! I was thinking the same thing..don't leave us hanging .. how many Grizz's are hanging out? we all want to know!

  3. Skagdog
    4/29/2008, 12:44 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    We have Grizzlies in Fairbanks, too. There are at least 21 of them, that I've seen. I saw them all at once at the Carlson Center back in March...They do not play well with others.

  4. akcg
    4/29/2008, 1:21 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Hmmm. Either someone forgot to put the rest of the story in or someone wrote a really crappy article. I'm with everyone else... How many????

  5. akcg
    4/29/2008, 1:38 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Now I see what happened... Someone did cut the story and leave the most important part out. Just like they did with a couple other stories. If you want to read the whole thing, you have to look under "Alaska Headlines". Why would you put only part of the story in the main headlines portion???? C'mon editors, get with the program. I don't want to have to go to several different areas to read the full print of a story. If you're going to headline the story, then make sure it's all there!!!

  6. Kewlpop
    4/29/2008, 1:45 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Sounds to me like the hit squad from Ft Yukon is needed in Anchorage,load up those semi automatics and throw in a uzi or two boys its time to go hunting again. We got to protect those people and their kids.... Well whats the difference between bears running amuk in Anchorage or in Ft Yukon? Oh I know, ones a city, and another is called a village different rules apply. One was a polar bear out on a scavenger hunt who's only crime was to scavange a dead animals carcass. I hope those Grizzly's don't happen along onto a dead moose carcass, they might suffer the same fate that their cousin ulitmately did death because of their last name "BEAR"... Another thing make sure you shoot them while there facing you that way you won't get charged with shooting a fleeing animal.

  7. Julie Stricker (News-Miner staff)
    4/29/2008, 1:46 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    The Associated Press sends out briefs of the day's stories early in the day and then updates them later. I haven't seen the update yet, but will post it as soon as I do.

  8. skinfish
    4/29/2008, 7:35 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Nobody updated this story yet? It's like 35+ brown bears. Yes, alert the hit squad we got danger.

  9. akguy
    4/29/2008, 11:18 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Probably there due to global warming.....looking for a/c I would wager

  10. npb
    4/30/2008, 9:33 a.m.
    Suggest removal

    Looks like the minimum is 36 according to the third paragraph.

  11. jonpauls
    4/30/2008, 2:40 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Lets see, 36 grizz and 300,000 people. I dont like those odds. Need to dispatch a couple dozen of the grizz to even things out a bit.

    Lets fly them to Ft Yukon.

  12. DawgMusher
    4/30/2008, 11:49 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    Well, wait a minute! That study was for a three year period, So, that would average about 12 bears a year. How many of those 12 injured or kill someone, None? Must be nice bears, compared to Anchorage's dang near 30 homicides last year.
    Maybe a few Fort Yukon rules on bears can apply to people that kill people in the city? oh oh what did I start now?

    By DawgMusher

Post a comment

Commenting requires registration.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

Comment:

Also inside
Today's news / Photos / Local / Alaska / Sports / Opinion
Features
Sundays / Health / Food / Outdoors / Latitude 65 / Youth / Business
newsminer.com
Archives / About / Feedback / Privacy Policy / User Agreement / Staff / Jobs / Contact / Feeds
Submit
Letters to the Editor / Events / Obituaries