An unwelcome mat, the bear proof security system of living in the wilderness of Alaska.
One would think that far away from the masses of humanity, in a remote wilderness setting, without road access, that one might not need to lock the door of their cabin. However, bush living introduces a different type of security concern. It is the time of year across Alaska when bears are waking. They are hungry after that long winter nap and have been known to trash buildings in their pursuit for food and sometimes, well just curiosity. A common practice by cabin owners is to overlay a sheet of plywood with protruding nails over doors and windows. This in conjunction with a chain lock threaded through the door seems to do the trick. I think however, that the unwelcome pad at this cabin looks the most effective! I took this photo while on assignment last weekend in the western Brooks Range, arctic, Alaska. This was what the cabin looked like upon our departure.
