Animals of The Alaska Zoo: Zayk & Mavis

There are three species of bear in Alaska: the polar bear, the brown bear, and the black bear.

The black bear, scientifically known as Ursus americanus, is the smallest of the North American bears. It is also the most abundant and widely distributed of the three species, and has been recorded in all states except Hawaii.

Here at the zoo, we currently have two black bears in residence: Zayk & Mavis.

Zayk (pronounced: “Zeek”) came to us back in 1999 as an orphaned cub. His mother had been getting into the garbage dump down in Girdwood and had to be shot. This is an unfortunate occurrence that happens all too often. As the saying goes: “A fed bear is a dead bear.” It’s just too dangerous for both the bear and the humans living nearby.

Mavis arrived at the zoo in 1997. She had been picked up by some motorists near Turnagain Pass. I’m sure they thought they were “rescuing an orphaned cub” but in reality they probably kidnapped her. We don’t know this for sure, but more than likely her mother was right there just out of sight. Not only is it illegal to pick up a wild animal and keep it as a pet – as these people tried to do – but the average person simply doesn’t know what it takes to properly feed and care for a baby bear cub. By the time she was rescued from her good-intentioned kidnappers, she was severely malnourished and under-weight.

Despite the age difference in the two cubs (Zayk is younger by a whole year, which is a lot for a bear) they were placed together and ended up forming a bond that has lasted ever since. The two can be seen snuffling around their enclosure all summer long, getting fatter and fatter as the season progresses. And, in case you’re wondering, Zayk is fixed.

A lot of people assume that the difference between a black bear and a brown bear is the color. I mean, they are called a Black Bear and a Brown Bear, after all. But that is not a good way to tell them apart since there are brown Black Bears and there are black Brown Bears.

Other people think perhaps size is a good indication, but again that is not entirely correct. There are large Black Bears and there are small Brown Bears.

The best way to tell them apart is to look at their features. A Brown Bear, no matter what the color or size, will always have a prominent shoulder hump, less prominent ears and longer claws. A Black Bear will have a straighter facial profile, taller ears, and shorter claws. There is also a difference in the molars, but I sincerely hope you never get close enough to find out.

One question I get asked a lot is “What should I do if I encounter a bear out on the trails?”

If you’re out hiking and you see a bear - but the bear does not see you: slowly back away until he is no longer in sight and then leave the area. Nine times out of ten, that will be the end of your encounter.

If you see a bear and the bear sees you: Stop and talk to him. Let him know you’re a human. Nine times out of ten, the bear will leave and that will be the end of your encounter. I should mention, however, that you will than want to leave the area yourself, just to be sure.

If the bear starts walking towards you: Do Not Run! Start yelling at it, make lots of noise, and make yourself as big and scary as possible. Again, nine times out of ten the bear will run off and that will be the end of your encounter. Also again, leave the area – just to be sure.

Worst case scenario: if the bear should happen to make contact (which typically involves teeth, claws, and a lot of pain) you need to know what type of bear is attacking you.

If it’s a Brown Bear: play dead. The Brown Bear typically just wants to neutralize the danger. As soon as you’re “dead” the bear will leave. Theoretically.

If it’s a Black Bear: fight for your life. Punch it in the nose, poke it in the eye, do anything you can to hurt it and make it go away.

Your best bet for safety in the woods is to never encounter a bear in the first place. It is highly advised that you make noise when you’re hiking to give the bears advanced warning that you are on the trails. They will most likely leave before you even know they’re there. I either sing loudly to myself, or talk with my friends and laugh a lot.

Above all, use your head. If you smell a bear or see fresh scat (bear poop), leave the area. Do not, under any circumstance, get between a bear and its cubs. Use similar caution with a bear and its food source. And if you have a dog, keep it on a leash. Too often I’ve heard stories of a dog running ahead of it’s owner that got a bear all riled up and then led it right back to the hiker!

Once again, the zoo’s photographer has provided a link to his website so you can see pictures of Zayk and Mavis. Check it out: http://johngomes.smugmug.com/gallery/1675064_qrFUT#82118746_pnu8e