FAIRBANKS – The first black bears of the season have been spotted in the Tanana and Yukon valleys.
Biologist Tom Seaton with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game said he saw black bears in both areas while flying on Wednesday, though none were anywhere close to Fairbanks.
The first bears of the season are out earlier this year than last, he said, which is likely the result of the low snowfall this winter. Only 24.8 inches of snow fell at Fairbanks International Airport this winter, the third-lowest snowfall on record in Fairbanks.
Last year, nearly that much snow fell in March and April alone, Seaton said.
Most of the snow has already melted and bears appear to be taking advantage of what so far has been a dry, warm spring.
“I think a lot of bears are already up and at ’em,” Seaton said. “It’s earlier than last year. We had a lot of snow late last year.”
Residents in Fairbanks and outlying areas should make sure nothing around their homes or properties will attract hungry bears, Seaton said.
“It’s time to pick up your bird feeders and make sure you don’t have garbage thawing out in the snowbank behind the house,” he said.
Share on Facebook