Alaska State Park Rangers reported a violent bear encounter Monday on the trail between the Grewingk Saddle Trail Junction and the Glacier Lake Trail Tram.
According to an announcement, a family with dogs and children were hiking along the trail when a black bear sow emerged from the bushes behind the group and charged toward a child in what was reportedly a predatory manner. The bear was shot and killed in the encounter and the family was uninjured.
At this time, bears in general around the state are preparing for hibernation and are gathering as much food as possible. It’s what biologists call “hyper-phagia” (like phaze). Park rangers have reported that there isn't much food around and many bears are going hungry.
Due to this, bears may exhibit predatory behavior towards pets or humans should an opportunity arise, so the park suggests that if you plan to hike in the near future, please be sure to stay fully alert of your surroundings, keep your pets on a leash, and have proper bear defense on your person.
