FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the Table Top Mountain Trail in the White Mountains National Recreation Area while it investigates aggressive bear behavior experienced by a family that camped near the trail Saturday night. The 3-mile loop trail is located on Nome Creek about 45 miles northeast of Fairbanks and is a popular hiking and berry-picking area.

The bear, reported to be a large grizzly, approached the family numerous times but caused no injuries. A family member used a firearm to fire warning shots and later, after the bear continued to approach, fired directly at the bear, but he could not determine whether the bear had been hit. A BLM law enforcement ranger visiting the trail on Sunday found no sign of the bear.

The ranger will be returning to the site this week with one of the family members to look for additional information. Coordination with the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game is ongoing.

The BLM reminds visitors to public lands to be ‘bear aware’ while traveling or camping this summer and fall. Keep a clean camp and always be on the lookout for bears!