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…)

Monday a.m. – Black bears and grizzlies were sighted last week in east Talkeetna.  Grizzly sow and cub wandering around downtown near the river this morning. Its that time of year.  Be bear-ware.  Make sure all garbage is out of sight and out of smelling range!