Brown Bear Activity Near Nuiqsut – Community Notice

Original post

🐻 Brown Bear Activity Near Nuiqsut – Community Notice The Native Village of Nuiqsut has received reports of a brown bear that has been active in areas near Nuiqsut (and possibly interfering with fishing nets and subsistence activities). We have contacted the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) regarding these concerns and received guidance on available options. ADF&G has advised that: • Nonlethal deterrence and hazing options are available and can be discussed with their area biologist. Additional information can also be found at: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.main • Brown bear hunting is permitted year-round in Game Management Unit 26A, with a bag limit of two bears annually, subject to applicable licensing and harvest requirements. Please be aware of what Game Management Unit you are in for harvests of any animals, as the permissions vary (and while Nuiqsut is in 26A, it is very near the border of 26B): https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/web/nocache/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/gmu26.pdf15D43B4C1D6C286800414D01B6D5F44EF5D70913DE98C4BA1685134F14C9A219/gmu26.pdf • Bears taken in defense of life or property are subject to separate and additional regulations and reporting requirements. • Brown bear harvests of any kind must be reported to ADF&G by calling 907-852-3464. The Native Village of Nuiqsut recognizes and respects the importance of subsistence hunting and traditional practices within our community. The information and hunting regulations provided above are shared for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as encouragement or a recommendation to pursue or harvest the bear currently being reported near Nuiqsut. Our intent is to provide accurate information, promote community safety, and encourage responsible reporting of wildlife activity and encounters. 📋 Help Us Track Wildlife Activity! NVN is also introducing a Wildlife Sighting Report Form to help document wildlife activity in and around Nuiqsut. We encourage community members to report sightings of bears, muskoxen, wolves, and other wildlife, who may be approaching town, exhibiting unusual behavior, or interfering with subsistence activities. 🔗 Submit a wildlife sighting here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/npzNaXkAig Please do not approach or attempt to interact with potentially dangerous wildlife. Community safety remains our priority, along with protecting subsistence activities and respecting local wildlife. Thank you for helping us keep our community informed and safe!