A bear stuck in a tree prompts reminders to give wildlife space

Fish and Game says the bear appears uninjured and the department will continue to monitor the situation overnight

The black bear near the Flying Squirrel Espresso coffee stand on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Photo provided by Flying Squirrel Espresso)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

A local coffee stand closed early Thursday to give an adult bear in a tree near the Nugget Mall its space in hopes the animal would be more comfortable leaving.

Carl Koch, Juneau’s area management biologist at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, said reports came in early this morning from an employee opening Flying Squirrel Espresso and from other residents in the area.

"It's up this tree; it was nervous as the human activity increased and stayed up the tree," he said.

Koch said the bear does not appear to be injured, and Fish and Game officials have been checking on it throughout the day. He said rumors are circulating that its paw is hurt, but the bear has tried to climb down several times. Koch said too many people or a vehicle passing by startle the animal and force it higher up the tree.

"It's hard for people to watch. It's pretty frustrating," he said. "But if we dart the bear and try to move it, it's likely to either fall out of the tree and become injured, or worse, get out on the highway and it could get hit by a vehicle."

The black bear in the tree near Nugget Mall on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Photo provided by Flying Squirrel Espresso)

The Nugget Mall doesn't close until 8 p.m. Koch said no reports have come in about aggression or property damage, so "we want to give this bear a chance to move on on its own." He said this is the safest option for the animal, and Fish and Game officials will monitor the situation after dark.

"We aren't going to just ignore it," he said. "If it doesn't move, then we'll have to possibly take other action."

Koch said it is common for black bears to climb trees to escape danger and, if the animal feels threatened, it can take a long time to come down. Since it's in a highly visible area and the tree is short with little branch cover, it's likely the bear is afraid.

"We're going to give it some time," he said.

The Juneau Police Department posted on Facebook Thursday that bears can often get stuck in trees or other areas and get crowded by people wanting to take pictures.

"Please leave them alone and give them plenty of space," the post states. "Don’t approach, follow, or crowd a bear for a photo."

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.