J-bear, Alaska

Photo By Staff Sgt. Javier Alvarez | James Wendland, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron chief conservation law enforcement officer, inspects a site recently reported for nuisance wildlife at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 30, 2017. Bear encounters have been on the rise this summer at JBER and other Alaska Communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Javier Alvarez)  

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

08.01.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez 

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson   

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson vagrant stalked his target from the shadows. This dump site had proven to be a reliable source of nutrients; and after all, hunger can drive a creature to act erratically.

Enter the unsuspecting victim, an Airman disposing of the weeks refuse.

Instinctually our vagrant, a JBER black bear goes on the attack, sauntering dumbly toward the tasty morsels which lie within the rubbish pile. His patience, soon to be rewarded.

Stories like the one described above are commonplace throughout social media blogs.

Not solely in the cyber space but throughout JBER and many Alaska communities, bears encounters have been on the rise this summer.

In an effort to reduce preventable encounters and educate the public, JBER conservation law enforcement officers provide some tips when living and recreating in bear country.

At JBER there are strict rules which regulate when tipster trashcans can be parked outside for disposal, said James Wendland, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron chief conservation law enforcement officer. Negligence on a person’s part can result in a hefty fine, or worse yet, an encounter.

“We responded to three calls just this morning because there was a bear getting into people’s trashcans,” Wendland said. “One actually ran over a guy’s vehicle when it saw us pull up.”

Per Aurora Military Housing policy, tipster trash cans must be taken out the morning of pickup, and returned to storage immediately. At all other times, tipsters should be stored in the garage to remain in compliance with JBER’s Wildlife Policies.

When exploring the vast recreating space that is the Last Frontier, CLEOs encourage people to carry bear spray as a deterrence.

“I’m almost positive if [people] didn’t have bear spray during some of the recent attacks, the situation would have been a whole lot worse,” Wendland said.

When the seal is broken and the capsaicin plume billows toward the intended target, who or what rests on the receiving end is likely to dissipate faster than the neon orange mist. Red is all anyone is likely to see after experiencing the full effects of bear mace.

CLEOs also encourage people recreate without the use of headphones. Situational awareness is key, and the use of headphones often hinders an individuals ability to hear some of the noises wildlife make to warn intruders.

Making loud noises while walking the trails will further alert the wildlife of your presence and reduce a surprise encounter.

While some may seek solitude within the wild wilderness, it is always important to let friends or family know when and where you’re recreating.

At JBER, people exploring the lakes and other recreating sites must check in and out through the iSportsman system. A great tool which CLEAOs argue, helps ensure the public’s safety.

Bears are likely to remain at JBER, and so long as people live on base they must learn to cohabitate.

For more information or to report a nuisance moose, contact the conservation law enforcement desk at 552-2436.

• Date Taken: 08.01.2017
• Date Posted: 08.16.2017 12:04
• Story ID: 244965
• Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US