Alaska Fish & Wildlife News
June 2004

Scientists Eye Alaska’s Amphibians

About 50 scientists recently gathered in Juneau to discuss issues facing Alaska's amphibians, including the decline of Alaska's toads and frogs. The First Statewide Conference on Alaska's Amphibians, from March 30 to April 1, brought scientists together to coordinate research efforts and to share their knowledge about frogs, salamanders and toads in Alaska.

Worldwide, populations of amphibians have sharply declined in recent years. Scientists are concerned about the loss of species and ...   Alaska’s Amphibians ArticleContinued

Bird Feeders and Bears

Mary DeSmet was on the phone when she saw the bear through the kitchen window, headed for the woods. She wasn't alarmed at first - then she noticed he had her bird feeder in his mouth.

“It was at noon in broad daylight,” she said. “I had that suet feeder seven feet high off the ground, but it was obviously not high enough. He shimmied up the pole and tore it down”

That was the first time the Juneau bird lover had a bear tear down a bird feeder. After 25 years in the Mendenhall ...   Bird Feeder Bears ArticleContinued

Volunteers Teach Bear Safety to Kids

Sometimes it helps to think like a bear.

“Who here is really hungry?” asks wildlife volunteer Sandy Dickinson, facing a group of 3rd graders. The hungriest student is awarded an imaginary plate of her favorite meal, which is immediately stolen away by an intrepid classmate, much to the chagrin of the would-be drooling student.

The “hungry student demonstration” is one of the many activities Dickinson uses to illustrate why a bear might become aggressive towards humans. In this ...   Bear Safety ArticleContinued