bear safety in alaska.

today i got my information from the alaska public lands information center about bear safety! the reason i requested this information was because you get a free sticker. and whenever i get a sticker, i put it on my laundry basket (this is a tradition i started in provo).

okay, here's the scoop: i'm a member of a group on facebook called "i heart free stuff" or something like that, and there was a link to a website that gives you free stuff. i'm completely obsessed. i'm expecting a polar bear sticker and a penguin sticker soon. like i said, i LOVE getting mail. anyways, i thought i should share some bear etiquette and behavior with you, my friends.

• make your presence known; avoid surprises. sing, talk, wear a bell. avoid thick brush.
• give bears plenty of room. watch & photograph from a safe distance.
• be on the watch for bear kills. a bear will defend its food. detour areas where you see or smell dead animals or fish.
• a bear standing on its hind legs usually only wants a better view and more information (hahaha).
• if a bear runs with a stiff, bouncing gait, it may be false charging.
• identify yourself. talk to the bear in a normal voice. wave your arms to help the bear recognize you as a human being.

you'll thank me when you feel threatened by a bear encounter in the forest and you remember my dumb blog and my love for bears.

oh, another animal safety tip: do not name raccoons "bandit" and then feed them marshmallows. they will only come closer to your friends and your fire and you might have to put them in a trash can and douse them with lighter fluid.