Getting outdoors is good for youth and adults both mentally and physically. Thousands upon thousands of people spend time outdoors in Alaska every year participating in various activities. Whether it is a stroll in an urban park or a more adventurous trek into the wild lands, you should be aware of your surrounding and the possible risks related to your activity. Fortunately for us in Alaska, we still have healthy wildlife populations and a lot of undeveloped land to tromp around in. This also means that we have a higher chance of encountering wildlife while out doing our activities. Seeing wildlife is a major reason why many people like to get outdoors, but it also comes with the responsibility of being educated about wildlife and how to act around it.
The weather in our state can be extreme. Be it the winter cold, the summer heat, the rain and wind, you should be prepared for it. Sending the kids out in the back yard may not be as risky as being on a remote adventure, but knowing how to prepare will make either activity more comfortable and enjoyable. Even trails and parks close to town may be on the edge of wilderness, so getting lost is a possibility even on a seemingly casual jaunt.
Don’t be intimidated, be prepared. We have compiled some links about wildlife safety and viewing ethics, weather preparation and water safety. Educate yourself, talk with experienced people that spend time outdoors, and do some of your own research to learn about the nature of AK.
And don’t forget the insects! Mosquito’s, no see-ums and/or white-socks can be a serious problem in summer and fall time in many areas. Make sure you have insect repellent and/or a head net.
Bear Safety
Bears don’t just live in the wild l
ands of Alaska; they wander through nearly every community in the state. Alaska is the only state in the U.S. that has all three bear species. For the most part, bears stay clear of people, but if you spend time outdoors you should learn about bears and their behavior that will help keep you safe in bear country. The Alaska Department of Fis
h and Game has a great on-line resource to help you learn about bears and about being safe around them.
Alaska’s Bears (www.alaskabears.alaska.gov)
Moose Safety
Each year in Alaska more people are injured by moose than by bears. Cow moose protecting calves are particularly aggressive. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides some helpful information about moose and how people can be safe when moose are nearby.
Weather-Related Safety
Cold weather is one of the things Alaska is best known for. If you live in the cold it is vitally important that you know how to be safe when temperatures drop. But, as the Alaska Centers website points out, we should also know how to protect ourselves when Alaska’s weather turns hot. In any location and temperature, knowing how to prepare can help keep you safe and comfortable and make your outdoor experience enjoyable.