I remember that I was always taught in school that bears hibernate in the winter. So logic would suggest that one probably wouldn’t need bear spray in the winter as the chance of a negative human/bear encounter is significantly less if the bears are sleeping. While this is mostly true, it is not completely true. Like most things in life, reality is a little more nuanced. There are some facts that need to be considered before making a final determination on whether to carry bear spray in the winter while visiting Alaska.
Not All Bears Hibernate
Alaska is home to all three major species of bears – black, brown, and polar. While black and brown bears will hibernate (sometimes) polar bears do not undergo hibernation like their black and brown cousins. They are actually more active in the winter and this is a busy time for them hunting and seeking food sources. Now, having said this, it is not likely that you will encounter a polar bear if you are visiting Alaska. Their typical range is only in the northern regions of Alaska which are not areas that are commonly visited.
What about black and brown bears? These are the bears that you are most likely to encounter in Alaska and they do hibernate; most of the time. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the National Park Service, black and brown bears will typically hibernate from 2-8 months of the year depending on the climate of the region. It would obviously be a longer hibernation in colder regions that are further north. There are some regions in Alaska, however, where bears may not hibernate at all. Bears that are in the warmer coastal regions like Kodiak Island can remain active all year. Bears in any region may also briefly leave their dens on occasion to move around if their den is damaged or flooded.
So, as stated earlier, while the saying “bears hibernate in the winter” is mostly accurate, it is not 100% accurate (according to the experts).
What About Other Animals?
Earlier this year we posted a blog article titled, “Can Bear Spray Be Used on a Moose?” It was a discussion about whether or not bear spray would be effective against other animals. It is a short article that you should probably read but the quick summary was that bear spray could be used as an effective deterrent against other aggressive animals. This was not just our opinion but was based on facts that we found from credible establishments (read the article!). With this in mind then you have to ask yourself if these other animals hibernate or are active during the winter. The most likely animal you are probably going to encounter in the winter months would be a moose and they do not hibernate. While they are not aggressive animals (they are not going to stalk you or attack you to eat you) they can be deadly when forced into a defensive position. Your best bet to protect yourself against an negative encounter with a moose is to avoid situations that would make them defensive. Bear spray, however, can be used as a last resort if you are forced into a situation where it is needed. The only other large animal you would remotely have to worry about is the Alaska wolf. Wolves do not hibernate and will remain active all year but the chance of having a negative encounter with a wolf is statistically insignificant. If this is something you are worried about then bear spray could be an effective deterrent but there have only been three documented wolf attacks on humans in Alaska since 1942. You generally wouldn’t have to worry about any other animals in Alaska whether they hibernate or not as documented cases of attacks from these animals are extremely rare or non-existent.
Should You Pack Bear Spray in the Winter?
This is a question that you will have to answer for yourself after considering some of the facts that were presented above and your unique situation. Most people that are visiting Alaska in the winter are not spending the same amount of time outdoors that they would in the summer months and this would also have a significant influence on your need to carry bear spray. The good news, however, is that should you decide to carry it during the winter, Alaska Bear Spray Rental can provide you with some bear spray. We offer rentals year round and are happy to provide it whenever you need it. As stated in numerous other posts and all over our website, we want your visit to Alaska to be enjoyable and safe. If carrying bear spray helps you to achieve that level of comfort then we are doing our job.
