Alaska Wildlife Emergency / Bear Encounter Defense
Uniquely Alaskan: parking violations caused by wildlife emergencies (bear encounters, moose blocking exits, wolf packs) are routinely excused. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises motorists to remain in vehicles during bear/moose encounters; this state safety advisory creates a mitigating circumstance defense. Document the encounter and most hearing officers will dismiss. Common in Anchorage (urban moose), Juneau (bears in summer), and on park access roads.
Legal basis
AS 28.35.110 (necessity / emergency exception); Alaska Department of Fish and Game safety guidance; common law necessity doctrine
Sample appeal wording
Anchorage / [JURISDICTION] Parking Enforcement\nRe: Citation #[CITATION_NUMBER] — Wildlife Emergency Defense\n\nDear Hearing Officer,\n\nI respectfully request dismissal of the above citation. On [DATE] at [LOCATION], my vehicle was unable to be moved due to a wildlife encounter. Specifically:\n\n[Bear / Moose / Wolf] was [blocking exit / charging vehicle / present within X feet] for approximately [DURATION]. Per Alaska Department of Fish and Game safety guidance, motorists must remain in vehicles and not provoke wildlife by attempting to drive past.\n\nEnclosed:\n1. [Photo / video / dashcam still] of the wildlife encounter (Exhibit A)\n2. [Witness statement / ADFG report number / news article if applicable]\n3. Time-stamped record showing vehicle was moved as soon as safely possible\n\nUnder Alaska's necessity doctrine and ADFG safety guidance, compliance with the parking restriction would have endangered me and others. Dismissal is appropriate.\n\n[NAME]\n[CONTACT]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- Alaska Department of Fish and Game — Bear/Moose Safety
- AS 28.35.110
- ADFG (907) 267-2257