Sick Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

Observation: A brown bear (Ursus arctos) was walking through the village, because of the potential threat to the residents of the community and especially for the kids that are playing outdoors a bear was put down for the safety of all community members. A Koliganek resident mentioned in a social media statement, "Skinny looking dangerous kind." Mary Apokedak, Native Village of Koliganek

LEO says: This observation documents some of the local community challenges related to wildlife safety. The poor condition of the bear may be a reason for its coming into the community, searching for food. Why the bear was in such poor condition is another question, with a wide range of possible answers. It should be noted that there was another unusual bear event recently in the Bristol Bay Region. On October 21, 2015 two bears collapsed and died at Brooks Camp in the Katmai National Park and Preserve. The cause of death for at least one of the bears was Canine Infectious Hepatitis, which is highly infectious in bears (and dogs) but not considered to be a significant health threat for people. There is no indication that the Koliganek bear was suffering from the same illness. To learn more, check out the National Park Service's Nov 23, 2015 blog, Recent Bear Deaths at Brooks River, posted by Michael Fitz and Jeanne Roy, Katmai, National Park & Preserve Alaska

Resources:

Alaska Department of Fish and Game – "Throughout Alaska, even in our state’s urban centers, humans share habitat with wild animals. Part of life for children who grow up in Alaska is learning how to act safely around potentially dangerous wildlife such as bears, moose and wolves. ADF&G offers lesson plans, posters, coloring books, and in some regions, classroom presentations, to help teach children and adults about wildlife safety." Source: ADF&G Wildlife Safety.

Alaska Geographic – Ballad of the Wild Bear - Teaching Guide, "This guide can help teachers use the book to encourage a bear-aware outlook in students. Target grades are K-4, but activities can be adapted for older students and many of the suggested resources include activities for students of all ages." Written by Ellen Wolf. Publisher, ©2004 Alaska Geographic Association