Bear Awareness Month 2026 - Mike Dunleavy
Source: https://gov.alaska.gov/bear-awareness-month-2026
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Bear Awareness Month 2026 - Mike Dunleavy
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Bear Awareness Month 2026
Bear Awareness Month 2026
Apr 1, 2026
WHEREAS, Alaska is blessed with an abundance of wildlife and the State’s healthy wildlife populations have a significant impact on the Alaskan way of life; and
WHEREAS, our State is notably home to all three species of North American bears, including approximately 100,000 black bears, 30,000 brown bears, and an estimated 4,000 – 7,000 polar bears. Black bears live within most of the forested areas of Alaska and are found from sea level to alpine areas. Brown bears are generally larger than black bears with a more prominent shoulder hump, less prominent ears, and longer claws. Polar bears are typically white with a longer neck and small head, and they live in the northernmost regions of our State and are considered marine mammals; and
WHEREAS, whether in rural or urban areas, all Alaskans live in bear country, and every citizen should follow five essential bear-safety practices: when out in the wilderness, make noise to avoid surprising bears; stay alert and actively look for signs of bears; never approach or crowd bears; secure food, garbage, and other attractants out of the reach of bears; and stay calm and do not run during a bear encounter; and
WHEREAS, it is important to remember that a person’s reaction often dictates how a bear will behave, and humans can reduce the likelihood of bear encounters around their homes by removing bird feeders, securing garbage in bear-resistant containers, refraining from feeding bears, planting gardens away from trails, and frequently turning compost; and
WHEREAS, whether fishing for salmon in a stream, hiking on a trail, or putting trash out for pickup, efforts to educate all Alaskans about bear safety will instill an important understanding of Alaska’s bears and how we can cohabitate effectively; and
WHEREAS, many of Alaska’s bears emerge from hibernation in early spring, making April an important time to be reminded of bears, their behaviors, and how we can live responsibly and safely in bear country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as:
Bear Awareness Month
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves about bear safety, thereby ensuring confident and safe outdoor adventures for all.
Dated: April 1, 2026
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Skip to content
Status of the Flag
You are here:
Home
/
Bear Awareness Month 2026
Bear Awareness Month 2026
Apr 1, 2026
WHEREAS, Alaska is blessed with an abundance of wildlife and the State’s healthy wildlife populations have a significant impact on the Alaskan way of life; and
WHEREAS, our State is notably home to all three species of North American bears, including approximately 100,000 black bears, 30,000 brown bears, and an estimated 4,000 – 7,000 polar bears. Black bears live within most of the forested areas of Alaska and are found from sea level to alpine areas. Brown bears are generally larger than black bears with a more prominent shoulder hump, less prominent ears, and longer claws. Polar bears are typically white with a longer neck and small head, and they live in the northernmost regions of our State and are considered marine mammals; and
WHEREAS, whether in rural or urban areas, all Alaskans live in bear country, and every citizen should follow five essential bear-safety practices: when out in the wilderness, make noise to avoid surprising bears; stay alert and actively look for signs of bears; never approach or crowd bears; secure food, garbage, and other attractants out of the reach of bears; and stay calm and do not run during a bear encounter; and
WHEREAS, it is important to remember that a person’s reaction often dictates how a bear will behave, and humans can reduce the likelihood of bear encounters around their homes by removing bird feeders, securing garbage in bear-resistant containers, refraining from feeding bears, planting gardens away from trails, and frequently turning compost; and
WHEREAS, whether fishing for salmon in a stream, hiking on a trail, or putting trash out for pickup, efforts to educate all Alaskans about bear safety will instill an important understanding of Alaska’s bears and how we can cohabitate effectively; and
WHEREAS, many of Alaska’s bears emerge from hibernation in early spring, making April an important time to be reminded of bears, their behaviors, and how we can live responsibly and safely in bear country.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as:
Bear Awareness Month
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves about bear safety, thereby ensuring confident and safe outdoor adventures for all.
Dated: April 1, 2026
Search
Recent News
Governor Dunleavy Welcomes $115.4 Million Federal Port Grants for Alaska
April 22, 2026
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2026
April 19, 2026
Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026
April 19, 2026
Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026
April 12, 2026
Flood Preparedness Week 2026
April 12, 2026
Recent News
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State of Alaska
myAlaska
Departments
Employees
COPYRIGHT © STATE OF ALASKA
State of Alaska & Office of the Governor
Email the Website Manager
The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.