Seward, Alaska
On Monday, September 22, I celebrated the Autumn Equinox with a scenic hike at Exit Glacier. Under cloudy skies, the golden cottonwoods in Resurrection River valley and along the outwash plain glowed next to their still-changing neighbors clad in various hues of green and gold. No wind or rain, and mild temperatures made for a perfect fall day in Kenai Fjords National Park.
The rushing water of Exit Creek and the gurgling smaller streams in the area made birding by ear challenging; I only heard one BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE and saw no birds.
I joined a few other visitors at the Glacier Overlook to admire the blue-ice glacier in its bedrock cradle, striped with a prominent medial moraine. Though greatly reduced in size, Exit Glacier was still an impressive, wild and beautiful glacier. Shutters clicked to commemorate the moment.
I felt special to be a local, knowing that I could return anytime, maybe the next day and the next, whereas it was a once-in-lifetime experience for the visitors from around the world.
But I was mistaken.
Two days later the park suddenly closed due to a brown bear mauling on Wednesday evening! Today’s news reported that a man and woman, were returning from a hike on the Harding Icefield Trail at dusk when they encountered a brown bear on the main trail about a quarter mile from the parking lot.
They had no bear spray. Details have yet to emerge, but after being attacked and bitten on the legs and butt, they somehow managed to escape and drove to the Seward hospital for treatment. Wow! What a scary encounter!
The Park Service closed the trails and the boundary gate at the Resurrection River Bridge while the investigation continues in conjunction with the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
No matter how peaceful and lovely the surroundings, this terrible incident is a vivid reminder to be bear-aware and carry bear spray.
Carpe diem!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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