Three Hikers Safely Navigate Close Encounter With Grizzly Bear at Alaska Wildlife Observatory

What began as an ordinary hike through southeast Alaska’s backcountry turned into a tense wildlife encounter when three visitors unexpectedly came face-to-face with a grizzly bear on a narrow trail at Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory. The animal, known locally as “Scuba Sue,” was in the area hunting for salmon when the group nearly collided with it on the confined pathway.

During an interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Dr. Michelle Lynn Thaller detailed how the trio had already spotted several black bears earlier that day before the startling grizzly materialized directly in their path. The sudden appearance left the hikers with minimal room to maneuver as the massive animal blocked their route forward.

Rather than succumb to panic, the group drew upon pre-hike safety briefings provided by park rangers to manage the dangerous situation. They made themselves appear as large as possible, maintained calm vocal tones while addressing the bear, and methodically backed away to allow the animal passage along the narrow trail.

Hiker Tanya Thompson recounted her initial alarm but emphasized how the ranger instructions proved invaluable in that critical moment. “We remembered what the rangers told us, which was what you said, to be big, talk to the bear, keep it calm and get out of its way,” Thompson stated, pointing out that the tight confines of the trail left them few alternatives.

Tony Cutraro, another member of the group, noted that advance safety training from park staff had already prepared them for the possibility of encountering bears in the region. After several anxious seconds, the grizzly proceeded past the hikers and continued down the trail undisturbed.

According to Thaller, this year’s unusually delayed salmon migration amplified the danger during the encounter. The late-arriving fish run has forced bears to forage more aggressively and range more widely in search of the protein they depend on for survival.

The National Park Service outlines essential safety protocols for backcountry hikers who encounter bears in remote areas. Authorities stress the importance of speaking in measured, steady voices so the animal recognizes humans as a distinct threat rather than prey, while also maintaining emotional control and avoiding the impulse to run, which may provoke pursuit.