In a Nutshell:
- Blind Betty, a visually impaired black bear, has become a local celebrity around Alaska’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) military facility and Anchorage, earning her the title of the state’s furriest ‘influencer’.
- Despite her blindness, Betty has shown a remarkable ability to navigate her surroundings, with officials noting her unusual meandering behavior and deft adaptations.
- JBER’s community has embraced Betty’s presence, educating base residents on how to observe wildlife respectfully, keep food sources secure to discourage bears from entering human-populated areas, and notify Conservation Law Enforcement of her sightings.
In the realm of Alaskan wildlife, it’s not just about survival of the fittest but also survival of the smartest.
Meet Blind Betty, a 250-pound black bear who’s not only defied the odds as a visually impaired bear in the wild but also mastered the art of local celebrity.
With her unique ‘meander and bump’ navigational style, Betty has found a place in the heart of Alaskans, especially in and around the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) military facility.
Black bears are as Alaskan as grizzly salmon wrestling and frostbite. With an estimated population of 100,000 in the state, they’re the Kardashians of the wilderness – ubiquitous, intriguing, and occasionally disruptive.
However, Blind Betty’s star shines bright in the bear A-list, not just for her visual impairment, but for her resilience, adaptability, and distinct lack of a reality TV show.
Betty’s life is a masterclass in making the best out of a less-than-ideal situation. As the JBER Conservation Law Enforcement spokesperson put it, “Betty is a wild animal and comes and goes as she pleases.”
Although her celebrity status isn’t unanimously accepted. To some, she’s more of a nuisance than a novelty, a testament to the age-old adage that fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Betty, an estimated 15-year-old bear and mother to an unknown number of cubs (last seen in 2019), was first noticed by JBER personnel for her unusual way of getting around.
“We knew there was something not normal because of the way she meanders and runs into things,” Mark Sledge, a conservation law enforcement officer with the 673d Civil Engineer Squadron, explained.
Despite her challenges, Betty has displayed a cunning adaptability that any survivalist would envy.
With the local community’s help, who’ve learned to keep their distance and their picnic baskets locked up tight, she’s carved out a life for herself.
It’s a win-win, keeping Betty in the ‘wild celebrity’ category and out of the ‘menace to society’ one.
Of course, it’s essential to remember that while Betty might be a celebrity, she’s still a wild animal.
While her story might be heartwarming, the sharp end of a black bear is less so.
Therefore, any Betty sightings in populated areas should be reported to Conservation Law Enforcement to keep all parties safe and unscratched.
In a world often unsympathetic to those with disabilities, Blind Betty’s tale stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience.
She’s more than a black bear; she’s a testament to the strength of adaptability and proof that being different is just another way to be special.
So here’s to Blind Betty, long may she roam and long may she remind us that in the wilds of Alaska, it’s not just survival of the fittest, but the smartest.
Source
Bass
May 16, 2023 at 10:56 pm
One of the best things they can do is not to put anything in her area. Our dog went blind from diabetes, and I told everyone not to move any furniture or put stuff anywhere on the floors. She knew where everything in the house was and could walk all around without running into stuff, she had about 9 years of practice, so her last 4 years went pretty smooth. It’s the same as with Betty. Don’t put big dumpsters and stuff where she normally walks. Help her out this way. Good Luck Betty.