Visitors from “Outside” Alaska who do not venture onto any trail because of a fear of bears should note these animals are practically never seen on well-used trails close to towns. Most bears will avoid humans, and it is safer to walk in Alaskan backcountry than to walk a street in a major American city. Do not carry smelly food, stay away from tidal flats and rivers during spawning season, and a bear sighting probably will be avoided.
Black bears (ursus americanus) have many color phases, from cinnamon to the rare blue glacier bear, and lack the massive size and hump of the brown bear. Brown bears and black bears range the mainland. Brown bears are found on the Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof (ABC) islands, and black bears live on the islands south of Frederick Sound. Both species demand respect from all who go into the woods, as their behavior is unpredictable and dangerous. If common sense and care are exercised, most direct confrontations with bears can be avoided.