TONGASS
NATIONAL FOREST UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-FOREST SERVICE
News Release
Contact: Julie Speegle
E-mail: jspeegle@xxxxxxxxx
Phone: 907-723-3304
Date: Sept. 20, 2009
Glacier Spur Road to reopen Monday morning
Juneau, AK – The U.S. Forest Service announced this evening that the Glacier Spur Road will reopen Monday morning at 8 a.m., although some trail closures may remain in effect.
Tongass National Forest officials closed the road between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday after a close bear encounter Friday afternoon. Trails in the area were also closed.
A sow and her cubs encountered a group of tourists at about 2 p.m. Friday on the Trail of Time. Tourists alerted Forest Service employees after the sow popped her jaws—behavior that indicates a bear feels threatened.
Forest Service employees acted swiftly to ensure the tourists and bears were separated, using blasts from a horn as a deterrent. When the bear lunged at one employee, he sprayed it with pepper spray. The bear and her cubs retreated from the area at that time. There were no injuries.
A road and trail closure was initiated as a safety measure and to allow the bear a cooling off period.
Acting District Ranger Barbara Adams said the bear made an appearance in the area Sunday, and that her behavior was normal and she did not seem stressed. Adams said the Forest Service will keep a larger buffer between the sow and her cubs, and tourists for the last week of the tourist season as a safety precaution.
The Forest Service wants to remind the public that bears are trying to fatten up for winter at this time of year. Right now they are between fish runs, and trash and BBQ grills are especially attractive, so extra precautions are recommended.
For more information, contact Public Affairs Officer Julie Speegle at 907-723-3304.
Attachment:
090920_rd_reopens.doc
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