Bear Awareness Month
Effective Date: Sunday, April 1st, 2012
WHEREAS, wildlife enriches the shared outdoor heritage of the people of Alaska, and Alaskans take great pride in our state’s wildlife legacy; and
WHEREAS, the wise use of our wildlife resources is deeply embedded in the culture and history of the people who live here; and
WHEREAS, as many of Alaska’s bears emerge from dens in early spring, April is a good time to remind Alaskans about bears and their behavior, and how people can live responsibly and safely in bear country; and
WHEREAS, Alaskans are encouraged to foster a sense of personal responsibility and safety around bears and all wildlife by responsibly storing and handling bear attractants, practicing outdoor safety, and gaining a greater understanding of Alaskan wildlife; and
WHEREAS, minimizing bear attractants makes our neighborhoods safer, with fewer negative human-bear interactions that are potentially dangerous for both people and bears; and
WHEREAS, community-based efforts such as educating Alaskans about how to live responsibly in bear country, minimizing bear attractants around our homes, campsites, cabins, and other recreational areas, and encouraging young people to learn about bears and bear safety help to instill an important understanding of Alaska’s wildlife that will enable us to coexist safely with bears and Alaskan wildlife.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as:
Bear Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves on the importance of awareness and safety issues surrounding Alaska’s bears and wildlife, thereby helping to ensure the future of our Alaskan wildlife heritage.
Dated: March 27, 2012
