Barrett Flynn, two of his friends, were on a multi-day Thanksgiving backcountry ski trip in White Mountains National Recreation Area north Fairbanks when they encountered the bear. Flynn claims that they were skiing between Crowberry’s and Lees public use cabins when Flynn’s dog ran to his side.
“He came right up to me and stood next to my, which is quite unusual for him. He said, “Usually means there is an animal.”
Flynn claims he saw a furry brown creature through frosty glasses. He initially thought it was either a moose, or a large Wolf. Flynn says that his friends skied from behind and confirmed that the animal was a gry bear.
Flynn stated, “I see the Hump and I was like that’s a bear.”
Flynn claims that the grizzly looked young and thin and moved towards them “curiously”.
He said, “Not running or doing any thing.” “But I would suggest briskly walking toward us.”
Flynn said that the three of them stood together and that the bear was within 100-150 feet of Flynn before it “turned back and scampered off.”
Flynn estimates that the entire incident lasted approximately two minutes. Flynn says that the experience made him think about winter bear prevention — Flynn could have been there alone, or his dog was not so well-behaved.
He said, “If I’m traveling solo, such as on a winter trip, absolutely bringing a firearm with me.” “If I’m going out alone, like on winter trip — probably bringing a gun.” It’s possible to buy a gun if there are three or four of us.
Flynn reported Flynn’s bear sighting to Bureau of Land Management. This agency oversees White Mountains Recreation Area. The encounter with the grizzly bear is most likely an anomaly, according to Levi Lewellyn, BLM Eastern Interior Assistant Field Manager.
He said, “You have the normal and then you have an exception.” “So, the bear could have been an exception or perhaps more bears are awake. We don’t know.
Lewellyn suggests that non-motorized travelers not make any noise. Bear spray can be used to protect against winter dangers as long as it is kept warm.
He said, “I would put it in my coat.” “I would have something. If you don’t plan to carry bear spray, then maybe a firearm to protect your self. You should only carry something you are proficient in and have been trained on.
Even though it is rare, there have been many fatal encounters with winter bears over the years. One such was a starving grizzly who killed a mother and her baby outside a Yukon Territory cabin in November 2018.
