In May, for the first time in history, a bear was shot and killed by a visitor in Denali National Park. The result of that incident was a two month long discussion by park officials in a precedent setting case.  The final determination has been made and the couple from North Pole, AK will not be charged.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Photo by Robin Song

Local writer and host Robin Song takes us on a few hours’ bear-viewing excursion from  Kodiak Island. She watches a couple brown bears as their play  turns to fight. What it’s like to be up close and personal with brown bears….

This program first aired in summer 2009.

Audio runs 6:20.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

On this locally produced Earth and Beyond program: Things that go bump in the night, and what Jody the horse thinks of them. Birch Creek Ranch has had a few visitors…and writer and host Robin Song was there to tell about them. Audio runs eight minutes.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Instead of going to trial for the killings of a bear sow and her three cubs, Yukon Don Tanner saw the wildlife infraction charges against him dismissed by the district attorney. (more…)

Geri Denkewalter reads a poem in honor of the recent restoration of the bear that serves as a landmark for Talkeetna at the intersection of the Parks Highway and the Talkeetna Spur Road. During a dedication ceremony, held on Friday afternoon, the Girl Scout Troop 293 officially unveiled a dedication plaque naming the bear “K’etnu Shesh”, Athabascan for River Bear. The plaque also lists all community members who helped restore the bear statue. The Girl Scout Troop 293 choose the restoration of the bear as their 2008/2009 community project. Photo by Diana Haecker

The bear problems around the Talkeetna area have continued.  At least 5 bears were shot last week in defense of life and property, according to the Department of Fish and Game.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

April Moore poses with the so far unnamed "new" bear

The bear that has slowly leaned toward the ground at the Talkeetna “Y” has had a makeover and is standing straight again.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Two different sets of bears have been causing a disturbance in the Talkeetna area, getting into trash and showing no fear of humans.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Encounter on a bear viewing trip-photo by Robin Song

KTNA volunteer Robin Song describes her experience on a bear viewing trip out of Kodiak Island. Audio is 6 min 30 sec.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(More photos in “Read More”)

(more…)