Outdoor Safety

Bear, Moose Safety Education Efforts by the Eagle River Nature Center

As part of our weekend programs to the public, we typically present at least two programs per year on the topic of bear and moose safety (at least one each for adults and children).

Every year, we have over 4000 school children visit on field trips. We start each program, no matter what the topic, with a general safety introduction, which includes bear and moose safety. One of the main points we make with children is that they need to stay with the group, and should not run ahead, risking surprising an animal.

We receive several requests each year by school classes and homeschool groups for programs that specifically deal with bear and moose safety. When appropriate, we use the DVD “Staying Safe in Bear Country” as part of the program.

Last, but not least, there is the one-on-one interaction with hikers before they start out on the trail. Our front desk staff is trained in bear and moose safety (either by Nature Center staff and/or Chugach State Park Rangers), and do a great deal of interacting with individual visitors regarding hiking the trails. When giving out trail information, they are frequently asked about bear and moose sightings, and they engage the visitor in a dialogue that includes determining their knowledge of hiking the backcountry. Visitors vary from casual out-of-town tourists that are not going more than ½ mile to the viewing deck, to hikers preparing to cross the Crow Pass.

Outdoor Safety

Bear, Moose Safety Education Efforts by the Eagle River Nature Center

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