Sitka Resident Shoot Bear Sow, Cub After Entering Storage Building

As KCAW radio reports, a Sitka resident shot and killed a brown bear sow and her cub after spotting them trying to enter a storage building. Here’s from the station:

Wildlife Trooper Brian Dirks told KCAW that this sow had small yearling cubs, and was not the same animal seen often around town recently with two older, much larger cubs.

Nevertheless, he urges residents not to approach the remaining yearling cub, as it can still be dangerous, and will likely continue trying to break into trash cans. He recommends calling Troopers or Sitka Police before trying to haze the animal.

Here’s the full Alaska State/Wildlife Troopers dispatch:

AK24108817

Location: Sitka

Type: DLP Brown Bear

Dispatch Text:

On 10-24-24, at approximately 0300 hours Sitka Police advised AWT that a resident in the 4200 block of Halibut Point Road had shot a brown bear sow and cub. Investigation revealed the bears had entered a storage building and attempted to gain access to freezers, causing damage. The resident shot the sow and one of two cubs. The killing of the two bears was determined to be a valid defense of life or property (DLP). The remaining cub left the scene but has since been seen in the area. Efforts to find placement for the cub with a zoo or other wildlife facility were unsuccessful. Residents should be advised brown bear cubs can be dangerous and not approach the animal. Please report any sightings of a lone brown bear cub on the Sitka road system to either Sitka AWT at 907-747-3254 or the Sitka Police Department at 907-747-3245.

This tragic incident coincides with multiple cases of negligence this week in Sitka with bears feeding on exposed garbage/food and Alaska State Troopers issuing citations for feeding game to three residents.