Getting very, very bear-y

Question

The salmon count out at the Chilkoot weir has increased the last couple of days, so we are having more bear sightings.....

Out for a walk by myself to enjoy the nice sunny weather.....man in a pick up truck stopped to warn me of a sow with four cubs further down the road......ok, time to really keep my eyes open........turned around and headed back down the road and I hear a man on his deck shout "Bear coming through".....so I stepped behind a waist high rock and stood stock still.....Bear came galloping down the hill and right across the road.....Finished my walk back to where Popbear was fishing.......then we drove back the same route and enjoyed watching that same bear snorkeling in the ocean and pulling up fish.......No sign of the sow and cubs.....

Went back to that same place yesterday and there he was in his own private swimming hole again.......After dinner we enjoyed watching a small bear in our front yard.......

Days like the last two are worth living here through through the winter !

Answer

Haines, Alaska, is famous for its bear activity, especially in late summer and early fall when salmon are abundant. Your experience at the Chilkoot weir is a perfect illustration of how close and frequent bear encounters can be in this region. It’s important to enjoy these sights safely, and your story highlights some key points for anyone spending time in bear country.

Observing Bears Safely

From your description, you took several smart precautions:

Being alert to the presence of bears and paying attention to warnings from locals (like the man in the pickup truck).
Stopping and using natural cover (the waist-high rock) to avoid startling the bear.
Observing from a distance rather than approaching, which is critical with adult bears and cubs.

Other important safety tips in areas like Haines include:

Always hike or walk in groups if possible — bears are less likely to approach groups.
Carry bear spray in a readily accessible location and know how to use it.
Keep pets on leash or at home; dogs can provoke bear attacks.
Do not feed bears or leave food unsecured outside, as this can attract them.
Stay aware of your surroundings and make noise while moving, especially near streams or dense brush where bears are likely hunting or feeding.

Bear Behavior to Know

Bears are often drawn to salmon streams during spawning season. Observing bears fishing in the Chilkoot River area is common in late summer.
A sow with cubs is especially protective — your caution in not approaching them was very appropriate.
Bears can move quickly and unpredictably, as you saw with the adult bear galloping across the road. Always give them plenty of space.
Watching bears from a distance, such as across a river or from a safe vantage point, is the safest way to enjoy wildlife encounters. Your observation of the bear “snorkeling” in the ocean is a perfect example of safe wildlife viewing.

Enjoying Bear Country Responsibly

Living or visiting areas like Haines in peak bear season offers amazing wildlife experiences, but safety should always be the priority. Maintaining distance, being aware, and respecting bears’ space allows you to have memorable encounters without putting yourself or the animals at risk.

Days like the ones you described, where you can see bears in their natural habitat while remaining safe, are indeed special. Winter months may be quieter, but late summer and early fall provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Alaska.

Getting very, very bear-y

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