Arrow, the Fearless Black Bear, Doesn’t Care That Bigger Bears Challenge Him
A Bear With Resolve
Arrow is identified by a scar on his ear and a narrow patch of white fur beside his nose that resembles a mustache. Rangers describe him as fearless.
Two Brown Bear Encounters
This year, Arrow challenged two different brown bears, and both backed down, according to Tongass National Forest rangers. Brown bears usually dominate black bears because of their substantial size advantage.
Life Around Anan Creek
The Forest Service is presenting Anan Bear Awards to 39 bears seen at the Anan Wildlife Observatory over the summer. Friends of Anan says the group includes 31 black bears and eight brown bears.
Tracking The Bears
Tongass National Forest covers much of Southeast Alaska, including Juneau, and is the largest national forest in the United States. Anan Creek is one of its bear hotspots.
The U.S. Forest Service tracks and documents the bears seen at the site. Explore.org cameras also stream their behavior live.
Key points
- Arrow received the 2026 Honey Badger Award from Tongass National Forest rangers.
- Rangers say he challenged two brown bears this year, and both backed down.
- Arrow has limped since injuring his back left leg in a 2019 fight.
- Anan Creek is a summer feeding site for 39 bears, including 31 black bears and eight brown bears.