Alaska officials urge caution upon seeing wildlife

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska transportation officials are encouraging motorists to avoid causing “animal jams.”

Those happen when people slow down or stop to look at bears, moose, Dall sheep or other wildlife visible along roadsides.

Authorities say sudden-stopping vehicles and vehicles that aren’t pulled completely off the road cause safety concerns. So would people getting out of their vehicles and standing in traffic lanes trying to get that perfect snapshot.

Already, the sightings of black bears in Southeast have caused animal jams.

Officials ask people to be alert to sudden starts and stops and to people or animals jutting from behind parked vehicles.

People also are advised not to get too close to bears or to bears and moose with young ones in tow.