Two bears shot along Kenai River
BROWN, BLACK: Officials shut popular area after the incidents; neither bruin has been found.

By ANNE AURAND
Anchorage Daily News
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/bears/story/7902858p-7796462c.html

Published: June 26, 2006
Last Modified: June 26, 2006 at 01:35 AM


Fishermen shot two charging bears along the Kenai River during the weekend, prompting officials to close a popular section of river.


"The closure is just a temporary closure for public safety," said Chris Johnson, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officer.

Both men, in different locations on different days, fired .44-caliber pistols when bears -- one brown and one black -- charged them, Johnson said. He followed blood trails of both but had not found either by late Sunday.

Officials today will consider reopening the area, a 200-yard stretch downstream from the Russian River Ferry.

Every year, salmon lure fishermen and bears to the Kenai River, and the two groups, competing for the same resource, are bound to clash occasionally.

Bears usually do a good job at avoiding people, said Jeff Selinger, a Kenai-area Fish and Game biologist. But in that area, there is an easy food supply for bears: salmon carcasses.

"It's a prime place for bad interactions," he said. "Most times the bear gets the short end of it."

He said he'd like fishermen to chop up carcasses and toss them into fast-flowing waters. He also said they should stay on the riverbanks where they are visible.

The first incident happened Friday night when a couple of men were bushwhacking off-trail and startled a brown bear sow with cubs. She charged, and a man shot and hit her, Johnson said. He didn't know how badly the bear was injured, or whether she would die.

"We followed a blood trail quite a while but did not find the bear," Johnson said.

Russian River Ferry manager Dianne Owen said she'd been telling people all day not to go back into the woods because of the sow and cubs.

"I knew it was inevitable," she said.

A lot of people come into the area armed and with a will-shoot attitude, she said.

Also, an orphaned grizzly whose mother was shot last year is back, and he's eating carcasses on the river, according to Owen. She calls him Gimpy.

"Gimpy's as good as dead," she said. "It's just a matter of when. People don't give him his space.

"We just ask people to use common sense, but some don't have any."

On Saturday night, another fisherman shot a black bear a couple of miles downstream, by the Jean Creek slough just below Jim's Landing, Johnson said.

A group of people were fishing when a black bear got too aggressive with them, he said. They chased it off. It came back. A man shot the bear, which Johnson tried to track but lost in the dark. Johnson said the bear was small and was acting unusually.

"It's not normal for them to be aggressive like that," he said.

Does Johnson recommend fishermen carry guns? It's really up to them, he said. A pistol might be too light to stop a charging bear, he said; a rifle or shotgun with slugs would be better.

Those are tough judgement calls.

Personally, think I'd stick to areas not so populated by bears so that conflict could be avoided. Being the chicken I am, would feel wholly inadequately armed with anything less than .700 Nitro. Even then, would probably be best served by being the fastet runner in the group.

Very interesting post. The best bear stopper is a favourite topic, mostly for fun I believe. The article seems to suggest people have a responsibility to avoid conflict. It also suggests some people almost seek a conflict. Interesting potential for debate. I suppose some people would argue they have a right to go wherever they please, and the bears had better stay out of the way. While others would say we have a responsibility to avoid a conflict.

I believe the vast majority of us would avoid a conflict for two reasons. First, being our own safety, and second for the safety of the bears. I would submit we should take reasonable precautions to avoid conflicts with wildlife. However, should the need arise to defend ourselves we should do so, regardless of our blame in creating the situation. Human life > wildlife. I could, of course, think of a few exceptions.

It seems to me the author of the article fealt the people shouldn't have been where they were. The author seemed to mourn the loss of the bears, rather than celebrating the peoples lack of injury. I could understand this viewpoint if there truly is an abundance of stupid people who don't take responsible precautions. Aleyska, as a local, tell us what you think.

I think people should use a large dose of common sense. Chopping up the fish carcasses are a good idea, as is keeping food out of the bear's reach or interest. However, I do believe, if you shoot a bear, you should finish it. Now we have a couple of wounded largest carnivores on the planet that are really in ill moods. The next unlucky soul that crosses their path will have to kill them, or be killed. That or they have fled into the brush and suffered an slow and painful death.

I'm all for people packing a firearm into the wilds up here. I'm all for them accessing the areas on the Kenai and Russian Rivers to fish, even the more remote stretches. However, I believe if you are going to carry a firearm, it becomes your reponsibility to finish what you start.

However, if there is a known aggressive bear in the area, I would not tempt fate. The first set of fellows were asking for this to happen, if they were informed earlier. I wasn't there, but it is quite possible these guys went looking for trouble.

Additionally, I think Brown Bear hunting needs to reopen on the Kenai Peninsula. It hasn't been open for 5 or 6 years now and think, not only has the population of bears increased, but the bears have begun to lose any fear/wariness of man.

There are too many/much areas here in Alaska that are offlimits to hunting or doing anything consumptive with our wildlife. The areas that are open, should remain open. Too bad people don't use a lot of common sense. Especially if they were warned there was an aggressive bear where they were headed. Even worse, an aggressive sow with cubs.

As for the black bear, there's not much information there. I've seen black bears be as docile as a family pet and I've seen them as mean as a double headed rattlesnake.

Unfortunately, I recently broke my left foot, leaving me an inordinate amount of time to sit here scratching. Or typing simply for the sake of discussion. So, bear with me.

By chopping up fish carcassas, you mean the spawning salmon which have died, thereby removing the bears food source, and reason to be on the river? Don't they need the food? Is this a highly poulated area where bears aren't wanted?

I agree with the sentiment of not leaving a wounded bear to suffer or atack another person. However, if I had such an encounter, wether I pusued the bear would depend on several factors. Foremost, how much ammo I had left. Wether the firearm I carried was of sufficient caliber to stop a bear (what is?). Wether I was accompanied by other armed men, or my wife and childred would be critical. Wether I thought doing so would result in my death or the bears. And frankly, how frightened I was would probably play a role.

I agree wholeheartedly some people would best serve mankind as bearbait. I.e. anyone who would deliberately seek an excuse to try thier new b.f.g. in such a situation. My brother and I have a running joke. It is we need only yell, "It's coming right for us." before shooting. Now we typically use this when hunting rabbits. But, maybe not too far from the truth.

The predators and game where I live is shy (Utah). To see a bear is a rarity, and a treat. There isn't really the opportunity here for people to be stupid. Perhaps people don't respect the moose like they should. What I'd like to know is, there, where large and potentialy dangerous game is abundant, is there an equal abundance of idiots? Hard to imagine. But, maybe.

On the point of hunting, I agree. I believe all animals, especially predators, need to know man is a predator, and should be respected. This is also an interesting point to debate. The article leaves much to speculate. I could see resenting my favourite fishing hole being unsafe because the powers that be were pampering the bears there. Perhaps, "I've been fishing here for fourty years, now the place is orerun by bears".

Anyway, thanks for the thread, and humoring me.

This area is one of the most popular fishing spots in Alaska. The last time I went there (like 6 years ago) people stood shoulder to shoulder for hundreds of yards fishing for Reds. I don't see it possible to keep the bears and humans away from each other. The fishing is that good.

It looked a lot like this (actual picture from Kenai/Russian river where the bears come to play):

http://www.tobinphoto.com/images/photos/combat-fishing.jpg

By chopping up fish carcassas, you mean the spawning salmon which have died, thereby removing the bears food source, and reason to be on the river?
No. The fish carcasses are those that have been caught and filleted by fisherman. The leftover carcass should be chopped up and thrown to the river. The trout need to eat too. Am not talking about spawned out fish or taking anything "natural" away from the bears.

It's common sense to give way to a bruin if you are competing for the same fish or the same fishing hole. Here in Alaska, if while hunting, a bear claims your kill, you do not have the right to kill the bear or illicit a charge to protect the animal you shot.

There's lots of good places in Alaska to fish. There's also lots of good places to view bears. Some places are good for both. Common sense keeps confrontation to a minimum. It will happen without anyone or anything doing wrong, but if those fellows were warned there's an agressive sow cubs up ahead, common sense would tell you to find another place to fish.

Wow! The photo is amazing! I would prefer a few bears and no people.

We must be talking about a lot of fish and a lot of fishing, as well as big fish. Now it makes sense. Alaska must be a wonderful place to live.

Not having a right to protect your kill is interesting. I would happily surrender fish or a fishing hole. But a once in a lifetime moose or ram, I might be willing to fight for. Do the bears actively seek gunshots, gutpiles, or carcasses then? Ocassionally?

Have seen several videos and read in hunting magazines where bear are equating the gunshots with dinner bells in Alaska. Saw a video of deer hunters on Kodiak Island where bear came running to the kill site and the hunters had to back off and sit up on the hillside as the bear ate the deer carcass.

Guess you could always revisit the site after the bear finishes and reclaim the rack. Wonder what the game laws requiring the removal of all edible meat be taken from the carcass would be? :p

Do the bears actively seek gunshots, gutpiles, or carcasses then? Ocassionally?
If bears smell blood or a gutpile, you can bet they will try to claim dinner. There is also a theory, called "the dinner bell theory", at least on Kodiak, where speculation is if a bear hears a gunshot, they have long ago learned to associate that with food (deer carcass or gutpile). It's just a theory, but has be fairly constantly reported by deer hunters on Kodiak.

grit, it is a great place to live. The flip side is that so many yoyos think so too.
The guys in question who walked off trail into the brush typify that lot. "I can go where I want, when I want and no one or no animal is going to stop me", mentality. Sadly, a number of bears get shot because people weren't paying attention and placed themselves in a spot where they had to shoot. It seems as more information is coming in, that this sow and her cubs were settled into a wooded triangle off the path and had been there feeding for a couple days since the Reds came in heavy. Fishermen had seen the bears and reported them so it was known that they were in there. These guys wanted to access a spot on the river and decided to go cross country. Sometimes you have to do it to get to a spot to fish when it's really crowded. I personally would have passed on the hike as there is NO justafyable reason to tangle with Mama Bear and her cubs where they are sitting on their fishing hole. The bears get first dibs. They are a lot of fun to watch fish while you try to catch salmon. Part of the Alaska thing and very cool.

Im taking the family out for a six day weekend this weekend. Camping, fishing, hiking. You can be sure that I'll keep an eye on my kids. I'll also go armed, but I won't go looking to push a bear out of it's spot just because I want it. It's not neighborly.

Another thing is that it is like that, elbow to elbow if you are fishing on or near the road system in King or Red season. To get away from the crowds, you need a boat or a plane or the money to hire one. Im with you, Just me and my family or a couple of friends and a bear or two and hundreds of fish for everyone to watch and try to catch a few. As for the bugs, you just have to live with them. :D

Kodiak is notorious for bears coming to a deer kill. If you want to attract a bear in Kodiak, just shoot a gun, they come to it. No joke, this happens VERY often.

Am I crazy or what? Seems like bear encounters in AK are really getting out of hand. Yes, I would defend myself if it came to that, but the very first question I would ask the game warden or guide as I was planning my fishing or hunting trip is where have the bears been most actively lately? I would avoid that area if at all possible so they can use what's left of their habitat. But, you never know where they will show up. I would defend myself, but I ain't hankering for a fight so bad as to egg a bear on. Maybe I'm good, but maybe I ain't shootin' as good today as I normally do especially if I'm busy making bear attractant out the back while trying to blow smoke out the front.

If you are going hunting or fishing, there are bears there. They hunt and fish too you know.... :D

Would it be wiser/more humane to carry a shotgun with so-called "bear thumper" rounds? Solid rubber non-lethal slug. First round non-lethal, subsequent 00 buck? Read before in Alaska magazine of people using that combination. It gets your point across real well to the bear without serious or debilatating wounds like these poor shots apparently caused. You guys from up there would know better, I just read about it before, that's why I'm asking.

rimrock, they aren't getting out of hand. We are running about average. You notice them more in the news when you are looking for them I guess. Kind of VW Beetle rule there.

Hammer2Fall, three years ago one of the kids who worked for me worked summers with a USGS crew. He told me that they were testing out 1895GS loaded with Buffalo Bores instead of the 12 gauge slug loads they had been carrying. People debate what to carry up here all day long every day. Most the talk is about hardware, no one talks about the software between the ears. The bears just shot recently on the Kenai were because the people involved weren't using theirs. Best way not to have to shoot a bear, use your head and don't put yourself in a place where you have to shoot because you provoked them.

Besides, I would MUCH rather shoot one that I can keep than have to shoot and turn it over to Fish and Game. Can't keep one shot in defence of life/property.

Back in 2003 I was on a guided moose/caribou hunt in southwest Alaska in late September. I'll never forget the first words my guide said tome after we introduced ourselves:

"I just want you to know, we're likely to have bears nearby. The last hunter that was here left three days early, afraid for his life.""

THAT will get your attention, on your first afternoon in a remote spike camp! But after further questioning, I learned that the hunter and guide had fried aggs and bacon for breakfats one morning, and left camp without cleaning up.....when they returned later that day, they had bear tracks right through camp, where bear had come in and sniffed greasy pan.

I told my guide that the guide who did that should be fired, and the hunter should know better than to let him - a shame he left early and scared, from a hunt he probably saved a long time for. We saw plenty of bears - 16 different ones on a 10-day hunt, all within 3 miles of camp - but no problems with bears in camp, we ate mostly freeze-dried and ran a pretty clean camp.

But, this story just shows how stupid some people can be, if given half a chance. Put those folks in the woods with a gun, and who knows what can happen.