Bear Advisory For The Shoreline Of Glacier Bay From Tidal Inlet To The Peninsula Between Queen And Rendu Inlets

Date: July 22, 2009
Contact: Allison Banks, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230

This notice is to inform campers  of recent bear activity at the mouth of Queen and Rendu Inlets and between Tidal Inlet and Gloomy knob.  On July 11, three kayakers camping on the peninsula between Queen and Rendu Inlets encountered a single subadult brown bear who investigated their property and caused minor damage to gear stored in their kayaks.  The campers attempted to deter the bear by yelling and waving arms but the bear did not leave the area until they packed up and left.  On July 14, a different party of three encountered a bear of similar description in the same vicinity.  The bear  investigated and chewed on closed bear canisters until the campers scared it off  by yelling and banging on their kayaks.   On July 13 hikers and campers encountered an aggressive subadult brown bear in the area between the mouth of Tidal Inlet and Gloomy Knob.  The bear followed people around, hissed at them, slapped the water with its front paws and charged two persons as they prepared to launch a skiff.

Campers are advised to avoid camping  in this area to avoid further bear-human conflicts.  Campers are reminded that bears range widely throughout the park and that bear-human conflicts can occur anywhere.  Two important keys to minimizing the potential for conflicts include storing food and attractants properly and keeping control of gear and property at all times.  Please report all bear encounters to the Visitor Information Station.  Visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are advised to contact the park’s Visitor Information Station (907-697-2627) for the most current information regarding bear incidents in the area.

This advisory will remain in effect until August 22, 2009.