We love to hike but we're concerned about hiking in Alaska; we don't want a "close encounter" with a bear or a moose.
Do people really carry cans or other noisemakers?
What about a spray? What is the spray supposed to do?
We thought maybe we would limit our hiking to closer to Anchorage but I have read post about people seeing bears/moose near Flattop.
Naturally we want to see wildlife but only from a safe distance.
Thanks

My husband clapped rocks together. Ask about animal sightings before you start out. Once, We stayed in a cabin and were warned that there were several moose and babies around as well as black and brown bears. Since we were just staying the night we opted not to get too far from the cabin. We enjoyed watching a mother moose and baby on several occasions, we just didn't get close. Read about what to do if you see a bear. I think there is a link to information on the Anchorage Daily News website.

I think that there was a thread on bear spray from last summer. It was so very funny! I still tell one of the jokes in the thread! I will try to find it.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...t=0&dirtyBit=1

I am not sure if this will work. If it doesn't, do a search for Bear Spray.

From my research on this subject: The best thing is Guard Alaska (thats the brand name) bear spray.

If you are truly going to be in bear territory you should buy this and the holster and WEAR it. It will not do any good in your daypack.

Just so you know: It is illegal to bring sprays of this sort into Canada. That includes the mace or pepper spray that ladies may carry in their purse (which is woefully inadequate for wild critters).