Local and state authorities are asking the public to stay out of Poison Cove, about 30 miles north of Sitka. The request comes as Alaska Wildlife Troopers, the state Department of Fish & Game and the Sitka police continue looking for two bears believed to be responsible for the fatal mauling of a Sitka man.
Authorities found the remains of 54-year-old Tomas Puerta near the secluded cove on southern Chichagof Island. His 13-foot skiff was abandoned on the beach, and there were signs of a struggle at a nearby campsite.
Boaters who reported the scene also told officials that an aggressive sow with two cubs was in the area.
Standard practice when a bear is involved in a human death is to kill the responsible bear. On Monday, officials shot and killed one of the cubs. The other two are still in the area.
Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the state Department of Fish & Game have been conducting almost daily searches. Trooper Jake Abbott says the public should avoid the area until the work is complete.
