Fish and Game is Concerned About Bear Attractants in East Talkeetna

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the State Troopers are following up on reports of bears and bear attractants in East Talkeetna.  Todd Rinaldi, the Palmer-area biologist for Fish and Game, says that he partnered with Troopers last week to remove a stash of cooking oil that was potentially attracting bears.  He says the oil belonged to a business owner, who was given twenty-four hours to clean it up, or else face a large fine.

Rinaldi says that Fish and Game is hoping to keep trash down.  He says that bears may be seeking food closer to homes because of difficult fishing due to high water.  Thus far, Fish and Game has not had to shoot any bears in the Talkeetna area.