With new snow on the ground and Southcentral Alaska's population of bears mostly denned for the winter, naturalists and hikers are welcomed back to the Albert Loop Trail at Eagle River Nature Center, about 20 minutes north of the city in Chugach State Park.
The trail is shut down every year during the short autumn season and reopened in early winter, when park officials feels confident that human-bear encounters will be less likely.
Bear encounters are still possible along the popular loops, albeit less likely, according to the Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation.
The Albert Loop Trail is a three mile loop with an elevation gain of approximately 100 feet. It is considered an easy hike and features mixed forest. The trail is usually packed for wintertime foot traffic and skiing. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
On Saturday, Eagle River Nature Center officials posted this update about the trail's status: