Moose calves are a fun sight to observers, but a delicious sight to bears.
“Tis the season for being especially cautious in the out of doors as moose begin having their calves and bears go looking for an easy meal,” forest technician Irene Lindquist said in a release.
Tsalteshi Trails reported a dead moose on the trail on Monday. Trail officials warned to stay away from the Coyote Trail due to the possibility of bears in the area before Tsalteshi’s Facebook page reported the moose had been removed Tuesday night.
There is also a new adult moose kill on Resurrection Pass Trail about 4.6 miles in just above Juneau Falls. According to Lindquist, bears have been feeding on the carcass.
Lindquist also warned recreaters and hunters to be cognizant of bear baiting rules and requirements.
“Last week a bear bait station was directly on one of our hiking trails, Wildlife State Troopers were able to respond quickly and remove it,” Lindquist said. “If you come across a bear bait station within 1 mile of a residence, cabin, campground or a quarter mile from trails, railroad tracks or shoreline of Kenai River or Lake please report it to AK Wildlife Troopers at 907-262-3935.”
Before setting up a bait station, hunters must register with Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Hunters may not register more than two bear baiting stations, but may be eligible to hunt at someone else’s bear baiting site if all appropriate registration and steps are taken.
When registering sites, hunters receive a sign to post at their stations within view of the bait.
“Bears often destroy these signs so make copies and always have spare signs with you. The sign provided by ADF&G or any sign you make yourself must clearly show three things: text saying “Bear Bait Station”; your permit number; and the hunting license numbers of yourself and any other hunter(s) you’ve pre-approved to hunt at that bait station,” according to Fish and Game.
“You may register your bait station 15 days before the start of the season, but bait cannot be placed in the field until the first day of the season. You may place bait at only two bait stations at the same time,” Fish and Game states.
