If you saw the film Grizzly Man about Timothy
Treadwell, you know that messing around grizzlies ain’t the healthiest way to have a good time. But for years folks
have traveled to Alaska and to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge without too much worry about Grizzly Attacks. But
recently, according to
this excellent piece
at National Geographic, there are concerns that attacks may be in the rise. The harrowing story about Robert Thompson,
a rafting guide in Alaska, who was recently stalked while paddling with several clients down the Hulahula River in
Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is enough to make you change your travel plans.
One question is whether attacks are really on the rise or whether its a matter of more people going to places like
Alaska and entering bear territory. But the facts seem to, um, bear out, that Grizzlies are becoming less afriad of
humans, and that a dry season has made them leaner and meaner. Whatever the case, people who travel to this part of the
world can do themselves a favor by knowing what they’re getting into, and taking every precaution to keep bears away.
While that may not solve the problem or keep you from getting attacked (it didn’t much help the rafters in the story),
it can help lessen the chances of confrontation.