Haines has had more bear activity in residential areas this fall than ever before. Biologists suggest that a low return of fish in the Chilkat River could be a reason why the bears are resorting to eating garbage to survive. Another reason is the bears shy away from the river due to all of the fishermen. The Chilkat River needs to be closed from the weir to the bridge so the bears can be free to feed undisturbed.
The bears will be hibernating soon. Hopefully they will have eaten enough to survive the long winter. It would be very sad if any of these animals had to be killed just because they’re hungry, looking for something to eat.
Closing the river from the weir to the bridge would be helpful for next year so we wouldn’t have the problem we’re having now.
Dixie Hayes