State wildlife biologists in Anchorage, Alaska, are actively seeking to euthanize one or more brown bears on the Anchorage Hillside following a series of property incursions along the Rabbit Creek corridor, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Cyndi Wardlow.
Hillside Bear Activity Threatens Public Safety
Brown bears have targeted residential properties in the Rabbit Creek area, breaking into vehicles, damaging garage doors, and attempting to enter sheds and homes, according to Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Cyndi Wardlow. “Obviously, that is a very serious public safety situation and something that we are trying to respond to as quickly as we can,” Wardlow said.
Wildlife officials report that the behavior is highly unusual. While the exact cause remains unclear, biologists suspect the animals started by investigating garages and subsequently accessed trash or other food rewards. This positive reinforcement taught the bears they could obtain high-calorie meals near human habitations. “Bears are smart and they will continue to repeat behaviors if they get rewarded for them,” Wardlow noted.
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Recent Euthanasias and Search for Remaining Cub
The active search follows a separate intervention in another Hillside neighborhood, where the department recently euthanized a sow that had been repeatedly accessing garbage cans for over a month alongside her three cubs, according to Wardlow. State officials classified the four bears as an unacceptable public safety risk.
Following that operation, wildlife management staff euthanized one of the cubs and transported a second cub to the Alaska Zoo. As of Monday morning, the third cub—born this year and weighing approximately 80 pounds—remains on the loose, according to Fish and Game records.
Biologists are actively searching for the remaining young bear to prevent it from being struck by vehicles or encountering other urban hazards. “In this case, we want to get this one captured as soon as we can before it gets hit by a car or gets into trouble otherwise,” Wardlow said.
Resident Reporting and Safety Protocols
Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials are urging Anchorage residents to immediately report any brown bear sightings in local neighborhoods, particularly near the Rabbit Creek corridor. Quick reporting allows field biologists to intervene before animals become habituate to human food sources.
Residents can report sightings to local dispatch by calling 311 after hours and on weekends. During standard business hours, community members can contact Fish and Game directly at 907-267-2179 or submit reports through the official Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are biologists trying to euthanize the Hillside brown bears?
State wildlife officials state that the bears pose an unacceptable public safety risk after attempting to enter homes, breaking into garages, and damaging vehicles along the Rabbit Creek corridor.
What should residents do if they see a brown bear cub alone?
Residents should immediately report solitary brown bear sightings to authorities by calling 311 or contacting Fish and Game at 907-267-2179 so biologists can capture the animal safely.
What caused the bears to approach Anchorage homes?
Biologists believe the bears learned to associate human structures with food rewards, likely after successfully accessing unsecured garbage in garages and sheds.
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