Alaska Health and Safety

Alaska is a relatively safe place with most of its dangers and annoyances occurring not in the cities but out in the woods. Bear attacks are a common fear, but the probability of being injured by a bear is actually quite low. Still, it's wise to take precautions when in the outdoors. Sing or clap when traveling through thick bush, so you don't surprise a bear. Don't camp near bear food sources or in the middle of an obvious bear path. Stay away from thick berry patches, streams choked with salmon or beaches littered with bear droppings. Keep your food stores away from camp and avoid carrying strong-smelling foods (eg sardines or bacon). Bears won't approach a tent that smells of humans, but they will be enticed by scents like toothpaste, deodorant etc. If you do encounter a bear, don't run away from it. Stop and speak calmly to it. If the bear doesn't leave immediately, then back away slowly. If a bear charges, throw your backpack in front of it as a distraction. An aerosol pepper spray may be effective in warding off charging bears.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) has become a problem in Alaska in recent years. Victims experience symptoms of tingling or numbness in the lips and tongue, loss of muscle coordination, dizziness, weakness and drowsiness. PSP is possible anywhere within the state, so state officials urge people not to eat mussels, clams or snails gathered from unmonitored beaches.