While driving home on a dark and foggy rural road in Alaska, I unfortunately collided with a Grizzly bear. The bear emerged from the fog and crossed in front of my truck, rolling underneath it before disappearing into the woods. Aware that the bear was injured and concerned for the safety of others, especially children who often rode their bikes along the road, I knew I had to take action. It was 1982, and cell phones were not yet commonplace.

As soon as I arrived home, I contacted the Alaska State Troopers to report the incident. I also informed the Fish and Game department about the location of the accident, offering to meet them there and assist in dealing with the wounded bear.

I quickly reached out to a couple of friends and requested them to bring their rifles along.

Upon the arrival of the Fish and Game officer, he seemed somewhat disinterested in searching for a wounded grizzly bear in the darkness of a remote dirt road. Instructing him to stay on the road, I took it upon myself to find the blood trail and lead him to the bear. Equipped with a flashlight, I walked a short distance along the road and successfully discovered the bear’s blood trail, which led into the brush. The bear’s injuries were more severe than I had initially anticipated, and I was determined to prevent any unnecessary suffering.

As a young man with experience in hunting deer and occasional wolves, I possessed some knowledge of tracking wounded animals. The road had been cleared on both sides for drainage and fire safety purposes, offering insight into the bear’s likely movement. I knew the bear would head towards the treeline and eventually take refuge there.

Instructing the Fish and Game officer to keep his flashlight aimed ahead of me, I informed him that as soon as the bear heard my approach, it would stand up. I cautioned him to shoot the bear as soon as he saw it but to ensure he didn’t accidentally shoot me in the process.

Carefully maneuvering through the short brush, I continued tracking the bear, gradually getting closer to the treeline. Suddenly, the bear stood up, appearing approximately 50 feet in front of me, just inside the tree line. I illuminated the bear with my flashlight and immediately instructed the Fish and Game officer to take the shot.

With one well-placed shot, the bear went down. Although not a large bear, it still required the combined effort of four of us to carry it back up to the road. It saddened me to have to end the bear’s life, but I also understood the necessity of preventing its further suffering.