News Release: 5 September 2008 (8 a.m.)

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve Superintendent Greg Dudgeon announced today the re-opening of the Okokmilaga River drainage west of Anaktuvuk Pass to overnight visitor use. Dudgeon had closed the drainage north of Grizzly Mountain to camping after a woman was mauled by a bear in the vicinity on August 28.

Jo Ann Staples, a member of a commercially-guided group of seven campers, was in her tent that morning preparing for a flight to Coldfoot at the time of the attack. She fought back as the bear – described as a healthy looking, medium-sized grizzly – came through the back of the tent and attempted to drag her out. Guides Anne Dellenbaugh and Sharon Sandstrum stopped the mauling by yelling at the animal, banging on metal pans, and discharging capsicum pepper spray. Ms. Dellenbaugh credited the noise and use of "pepper spray" with deterring the bear and saving Staples. It did not return while the group waited for assistance. They called a local air taxi pilot for help using a satellite telephone.

Park staff investigated the campsite and surrounding area by air and on foot the following day. Nothing was observed that might have served as an unusual attractant for bears. The group had maintained a very clean camp, with little sign of human use, though they had been there a week. No other bears were seen by the group during the trip, and none were observed by park staff, who patrolled the area by aircraft following the incident.

Bear-human incidents are very rare in Gates of the Arctic. While all areas within the park remain open to overnight use, visitors are encouraged to avoid bear encounters by remaining alert at all times and in all places. Bears are active both day and night and can be found anywhere in the park. Before choosing a campsite, look for tracks and scat as well as diggings or animal carcasses and avoid these areas. Be especially careful in dense brush, where visibility is low, and along rivers, where bears may not hear over the noise of water. Use bear-resistant food containers; cook, eat, and store food away from and downwind of sleeping tents; and carefully store then pack out all trash when you leave.