A teenaged bicyclist competing in a mountain bike race and a jogger last summer were attacked by grizzlies on the trail close by salmon-rich Campbell Creek. A number of other bear-human encounters in Anchorage and Eagle River also caused concerns.
"Due to the trail's proximity to Campbell Creek, bears frequent the area during summer salmon runs," Jeff Dillon, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, said in the release.
"In consultation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Anchorage Bear Committee, we have decided that it is simply unsafe for park users to risk interaction with bears on Rover's Run."
The city's release suggests using other Bicentennial trails, including the Tour of Anchorage, or Viewpoint, trail and others at the Hillside trail head. It's possible to come across bears on any city trails, however.
Starting this summer, three Anchorage park rangers will be roaming city parks to help visitors and discuss wildlife issues, the city's release said.
Also starting up this summer is a Web page operated by the Anchorage Bear Committee, offering ways for people to report bear sightings and problems with neighborhood trash, which can attract black bears.
To find the Web site, go to bears.muni.org.
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