Alaska Legislator Chases Bear Away from Capitol, Highlights Wildlife Encounters
Rep. Garret Nelson, R-Sutton, chased a black bear away from Rep. Julie Coulombe, R-Anchorage, outside the Alaska State Capitol. The incident occurred during a late-night encounter when Coulombe saw the bear approaching her. Nelson, who was in a ride-sharing car, asked the driver to stop and then bluff-charged the bear, filming the encounter on his cellphone. The video was later posted on social media, where Nelson humorously advised against charging bears. Bear sightings are common in downtown Juneau, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises people to avoid bears and give them space.