BEAR SAFETY ON CAMPUS

Black bear sighted on campus

Updated Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 4:52 p.m.

This morning, shortly after 8 a.m., a black bear was reported on the Troth Yeddha’ campus moving across Tanana Loop near North Tanana, headed into the woods. The sighting was confirmed by the UAF Police Department. Officers left the area when the bear reentered the woods. Reports noted the bear was not behaving aggressively and moving away from anyone in the area. The university sent a safety alert to the campus community and advised the Division of Alaska Wildlife Troopers to ensure people were notified of a bear in the area, so they could maintain awareness while on UAF trails and when walking through wooded areas on campus.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game resources are available for more information about bear, moose and general wildlife safety (adfg.alaska.gov). If you see a bear on the UAF trails, or elsewhere on campus, please keep your distance and do not approach. To report a non-emergency situation, please contact the UAF Police Department at 907-474-7721. In case of emergency, dial 911.

How will I know if there's an alert?

This website will offer access to current information about emergencies at UAF. During an emergency or crisis, information may be provided in several ways:


For employees and students

Rave system alerts

Students and employees can visit UAOnline to update their information. Please make sure you enter a cell phone number in the correct field to receive text messages about emergencies and extreme weather affecting campus.

Visit the UA Alert Notification System FAQs for more information about the Rave system and alerts.


Rave Guardian personal safety app

The Rave Guardian app allows users to turn their smart phone into a personal safety device. It provides quick access to campus safety resources, one-button 911 access, and a safety timer that allows users to designate friends or family members to virtually walk them home.

To download and install:

Campus and community emergency contacts

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911

Safety Seconds

Seconds count. Take a few seconds to review the Emergency Response Guide. It's information that could save your life.

In addition, the following resources offer specific safety information:

Campus closures

View the UAF policy on emergency campus closures.

For members of the public

Smart911 Alerts

Parents and members of the public can also receive emergency alerts from the university or the City of Fairbanks by signing up with Smart911. Residents of the Fairbanks North Star Borough will also have the option to customize their borough Smart911 information.

For media inquiries

Refer reporters to UAF public affairs staff or designated spokesperson for information in an emergency: