Bear Attack Fuels Debate Over Alaskan Trails

Salmon and garbage attract them, but city and state duck the issue

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 3, 2008 7:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – A teenage biker's recent bear mauling in Anchorage has renewed debate over safety on the city's trails—and outrage among residents who want long-sought changes, the Anchorage Daily News reports. At issue is the salmon and human waste that attract bears, experts say, but city and state have so far ducked the problem. "I hear a tremendous amount of frustration," said bicyclist Janice Tower.

Park officials are trying to limit attacks by moving park paths from salmon streams, widening trails, and limiting garbage in the area. But not all residents fear the bears, while others simply want them gunned down. "You can't just shoot the bears, because more bears will just move in," Tower responded. "You've got to look at it as an ecosystem."

This photo released by Yellowstone National Park shows a grizzly bear moving through the brush in this 2005 file photo. (AP Photo/Yellowstone National Park, James Peaco)

Rocky the grizzly bear is seen at the Forever Wild animal sanctuary in Phelan, Calif. in Nov. 2007. (AP Photo/Christina Bush)

A brown bear and her cubs travel down the snow and ice-laden Copper River near Cordova, Alaska, Friday, May 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Bob Martinson)

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Bear Attack Fuels Debate Over Alaskan Trails

Salmon and garbage attract them, but city and state duck the issue

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Couple's behavior made situation worse, report concludes

Woman Fights Off Bear to Save Dog

One punch to the nose sent beast packing

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Body found a few miles from July's killing

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Bear Attack Fuels Debate Over Alaskan Trails

Salmon and garbage attract them, but city and state duck the issue

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Alaska • wildlife • grizzly bear • bear • Anchorage • bear attack

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Mystery Disease Killing Alaskan Seals

Ringed seal outbreak puzzles biologists

Deadly Mama Grizzly Killed in Yellowstone

DNA at two kill sites linked to sow with cubs

Yelling, Running Triggered Grizzly Attack

Couple's behavior made situation worse, report concludes

Woman Fights Off Bear to Save Dog

One punch to the nose sent beast packing

Bears Eyed in New Yellowstone Hiker Death

Body found a few miles from July's killing

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Newser By Users

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