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Photo courtesy of Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Two black bears at the AWCC were relocated to a new 7-acre habitat. Their previous home was 3 acres. |
By Kelly Miller
Special to the Turnagain Times
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center recently relocated black bears Kuma (Japanese for “bear”) and Uli (named for an Alaska Airline employee) to a new 7-acre habitat. The bears had outgrown their previous 3-acre home, which was centrally located near the main visitor lodge. The new semi-wild-environment provides the adult bears with a fresh running stream that empties into a swimming pool size pond. It boasts an old `64 earthquake cabin for shelter, cottonwood trees to climb and massive fields to roll, run and play in. Next month’s high tides will deliver a few wild salmon into their new home allowing for a fresh dinner and the opportunity to act on their natural instincts.
The task of moving the bears went smoothly. Kuma & Uli were tranquilized and transported by heavy equipment to their new space. Tranquilizing is less stressful and traumatic than a livestock trailer to transport. The only risk is if a bear climbs a tree just after it is darted and falls after the drug takes effect. To lessen this risk AWCC veterinary intern Heidi Conrad treated each bear to a dip of honey from a large spoon. Mike Miller then administered the drug by blowgun. The darted bears whirled around trying to bite the dart from their rumps. Heidi offered another spoonful and the bears lost interest in the dart. Upon the drug taking effect the darts were removed by hand and prior to relocation the bears were given a thorough examination resulting in both bears receiving clean bills of health.
This spacious enclosure is a temporary as their Black Bear Mountain habitat is now under construction. The 10-acre Black Bear Mountain Home will open in 2009. Two 65-foot tall butte shaped mountains are currently under construction. One butte on each side of the country road will connect the exhibit and traverse the new open space. The bears will pass from side to side through a tunnel allowing visitors to view the bears from many angles. A 75-yard long “Potter’s Marsh style walkway” will suspend the visitors above a brush canopy giving them the opportunity for an unobstructed natural wildlife viewing experience. A major active Turnagain Arm tide gut feeds through the center of the
Black Bear Mountain habitat. Tidal surges rush through the new area twice daily bringing with it hooligan, salmon and shrimp. Thousands of raspberry bushes will be planted this fall giving the black bears further opportunities to feed themselves. Their original 3-acre enclosure will be converted to a park for the many visitors to the Center. Plans feature small animal exhibits, covered picnic areas and a family playground. Black Bear Mountain and the new visitor park area are being constructed through the generosity of Fike Construction, The Home Depot and through the support of its members.