The Anchorage Bear Committee hosted a two-hour class Monday on the topics of wildlife safety awareness and bear spray education. Afterwards the public was invited to practice with inert bear spray.
Lucille Gay was among those using bear spray for the first time.
"I'm an outside person, and I just want to know what to do if I see a bear," said Gay. "I want to learn how to share the area with them."
Those unable to attend the workshop are encouraged to check out alaskabears.alaska.gov for more information and upcoming classes.
Related: Here are strategies for staying safe in bear country