Bear escapes encounter with Alaska lawmakers.
Lawmakers got a taste of life in the Capital City yesterday. (Wednesday)

After returning from a dinner break to resume the Committee on AGIA and Energy meeting, Wasilla Senator Charlie Huggins gaveled the meeting to order.

He then informed his fellow lawmakers that he saw a bear run by the Capitol's front doors and sprint up the hill on the sidewalk.

Huggins jokingly said that he opened his knife and chased the bear but it was faster than he was.

He said it looked like the bear had a hot dog in his mouth when it ran up the hill.

The senator urged lawmakers to be aware of bears in downtown Juneau.

The bear escaped unharmed.

No, the subject line "Lawmakers make the best bear bait" can't be right. I was told years ago in Ontario by a guide (when I expressed surprise at the fair enough looking quality of the bait meat) that bears were drawn to the odor of fresh meat. Everyone knows that even vultures are not fond of politicians!