GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK, AK -This notice is to inform campers of recent bear activity at the Vivid Lake outflow stream between the mouth of Tidal Inlet and Gloomy Knob in the West Arm of Glacier Bay. On August 5th a visitor camping along the narrow beach encountered several passing bears, and was directly approached by a brown bear. The camper did not attempt to make any loud noises prior to discharging bear spray. The bear was not sprayed, but left the area.
Visitors are reminded that camping in areas of high wildlife density where travel corridors are constricted can increase the chance of a negative bear encounter. Intentional disturbance of wildlife is prohibited under NPS Code of Federal Regulations 36 CFR-2.2(a)(2). Campers and boaters should avoid approaching wildlife too closely such that the approach causes the animal to change its behavior or lose access to important food and habitat resources.
Bear activity is high in this area because this stream is one of the few sockeye salmon streams accessible to brown bears in the upper West Arm of Glacier Bay. Because of the abundance of brown bears in close proximity to this important food source, campers are advised NOT to camp 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. Three important keys to minimizing the potential for conflicts include avoiding high bear use areas, 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 tocontact 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 Sept. 09, 2014.
For a printer-friendly version of this press release,
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
