Michael As mentioned, it is quite normal to encounter bears in Alaska. They are not to be trifled with. Usually, they will immediately run away if they see humans, especially if the humans are tall and/or in groups. However, this assumes that you don't startle the bear, as they don't like that and will become grumpy. For example, if you turn a blind corner and suddenly, a bear is standing in front of you. That's why you should constantly be making noise, and if that gets on your nerves, you can wear a small bell ("Bear Bell") that constantly jingles softly, informing bears in the vicinity of the hiker's position and preventing any surprises. The bear usually avoids confrontations widely if it can do so without effort. However, bears hibernate during the winter months and are quite groggy in the head for some time after waking up in the spring.

Anyone who has seen the excellent film "Grizzly Man" (directed by Werner Herzog) knows that bears, if things go really wrong, can indeed kill and eat humans. There are two different types of bears: the black "Black Bear" and the brown "Grizzly." They can weigh up to half a ton and reach up to 10 feet in height when they stand upright. The brown Grizzly is more predictable; if it does attack, you should play dead, and it will usually leave you alone. The "Black Bear," however, is more aggressive and may pursue hikers, who then have to use all sorts of tricks (make themselves look tall, put a backpack on their head, scream, wave their arms) to scare it off. If the "Black Bear" attacks, you should never play dead but instead punch it in the snout. Or, as a local explained to us: "A Grizzly will kill you. A Black Bear will kill you and then eat you.

For self-defense in the extremely rare case of an emergency, one can either carry along a double-barreled shotgun with a giant caliber ("bear slug," see Karl May) or a pepper spray specifically made for bear defense with the martial name "Counter Assault." However, the spray is insanely expensive ($37.95), but fortunately, the mountaineering supermarket REI in Anchorage had it on special offer ($24.95). Allegedly, it works up to 30 feet away. But if the wind blows in the wrong direction, the spray can turn into a boomerang.

We had the canister unlocked and always ready during our hikes, but fortunately, we never had to use it, as no bear surprised us on our paths. However, during a boat tour, we saw an estimated ten (!) different black bears in various locations, some even on quite steep mountain slopes. These slopes are also frequented by mountain goats, the bears' favorite food. At least until the salmon start jumping. Even experienced hikers confirmed to us that it frequently happens that bears cross the path, and the lady who rented us a cottage included a bear booklet and wrote in large letters that we should read it before undertaking any hikes.

• More topics you might be interested in:

  	Alaska
  	Kayaking in the Arctic Ocean
  	Commercial Fishermen
  	Homesteading in the Wilderness
  	Bushlines
  	Alaska Permanent Fund
  	Glacier Tours
  	Melting Glaciers
  	Killer Whales Up Close and Personal
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• More topics you might be interested in:

  	Alaska
  	Kayaking in the Arctic Ocean
  	Commercial Fishermen
  	Homesteading in the Wilderness
  	Bushlines
  	Alaska Permanent Fund
  	Glacier Tours
  	Melting Glaciers
  	Killer Whales Up Close and Personal
  	Moose