Bears in south Anchorage (Haines: lease, house, living)

[ASpilot2be]

My friends and I signed a lease on a house to rent off of Dearmoun down by Rabbit creek. We want to put a grill on the deck, but we dont know what the bear situation is like in that part of town.

Are there alot, or should we not worry?

[CessnaAK]

We live a little higher in the same general area and yes there are bears - more likely to see black than brown but they both cruise all over this area. That said, we do have a grill outside and have never had any problems, even though we frequently have both brown and black bear poop in the yard.

[Moose Whisperer]

Originally Posted by ASpilot2be

My friends and I signed a lease on a house to rent off of Dearmoun down by Rabbit creek. We want to put a grill on the deck, but we dont know what the bear situation is like in that part of town.

Are there alot, or should we not worry?

Yes, they are around. We live off Upper DeArmoun and usually see a few Blackies every summer. I might spot one Brownie every summer in the area as well. I keep a grill outside, but my deck is way too high to be within reach of any critters. My other neighbors do the same and I haven't heard of any complaints. Keep in mind though, seem's like we've been getting at least one marauding bear shot by a hillside resident every summer for the past few years. Couple years ago, one guy shot one in his living room!

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by ASpilot2be

My friends and I signed a lease on a house to rent off of Dearmoun down by Rabbit creek. We want to put a grill on the deck, but we dont know what the bear situation is like in that part of town.

Are there alot, or should we not worry?

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, there are between 250 and 350 black bears and between 55 and 65 grizzly bears living within the city limits of Anchorage. Mostly on the southern and eastern side of Anchorage and along the various greenbelts, than elsewhere.

If you don't leave food outside, keep your trash well covered, and keep your grill reasonably clean, then you should not have problems. That is not to say that you will not be visited by bears. However, a bear will be less likely to cause damage if you take a few basic precautions.

[ASpilot2be]

Thanks for the info. I grew up in Haines, so I am familiar with bears. I just wasnt sure how many were on the southside of Anchorage.

[seabirds]

I live in Haines at this time, and we have our fair share of bears, both in town and in the surrounding areas. Of course, you have to vigilant in bear country, and constantly aware. Bears really prefer fish, but the smell of grilling meat is more than likely to eventually create some bear interest.... If you have a grill outside, just clean it very well, and it shouldn't be a problem....