The sanctuary, which takes in injured and orphaned animals from across the state, currently has six bears in its habitat. For many Alaskan travelers, bears are the ultimate highlight. About Us Affiliate Disclosure Privacy Policy Contact Us. The Bear Encounter is an important part of our education goals.. If you havent, or if you want to see one again (at a safe distance! How does it taste? Here are a few of the best bear watching locations in Alaska: Although Alaska has many amazing locations for visitors to watch bears, Katmai National Park & Preserve is considered to be one of the best places to watch these magnificent creatures in action. Travel to Neets Bay by boat and you will search the shoreline for bears and other animals. Instead, weve got all this rain. Ancient bone may be earliest evidence of hominin cannibalism. Im going to make a list of the best places in and around town to see some bears, as well as the best times to do so. All the remnants of these great creatures would seem more gruesome to me if they werent being put to use, werent so vital to the Iupiat. Alaska Shore Excursions runs a few different tour operations in Ketchikan, but this is probably the one for which theyre most well-known. Bruces hands are large and worn and he knows certain things like the backs of themthings like the safe distance to be from polar bears and when to start the engine should their attention linger on his boat. Season: June 1 - Sept 15 $1299 per person 4 - 8 hrs. Its [a part] of [their] daily lives in the summer to see us There has never been an attack. Located in the heart of the Chigmit Mountains, Crescent Lake is a sport fisherman's dream. Have you ever seen a bear in person? Rileys boss, Bruce Inglangasak, relocated here 20 years ago from Northern Canada, although in Iupiat terms, crossing the modern border meant little. - This also gives you the chance to see whales and other marine wildlife on your way out to the cove, which might give you a closer view than youd get on the cruise ship. A 35-minute flight west, Prudhoe Bay is the source of much of the North Slopes traffic, as well as its wealth. Black bears are the smaller of the two, and are typically found in forests. What can I do in Alaska during a spring visit? How to find a moose in Anchorage in less than an hour. Bears move up and down the entire length of the [Park] Road. From national parks to guaranteed views, Anchorage is in the heart of bear country. This itinerary highlights the best bear viewing experiences youre likely to encounter on a cruise through Alaskas Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska. Anchorage is the best spot to start a visit to Alaska's iconic bear viewing locations. Some of the trips in the Katmai and Kodiak areas seem to indicate August trips will have a good . But viewing them in their natural habitat is a completely different experience. Many effectively act as bear alarms. #katmainationalpark #alaska #bear #brownbearsofalaska#fatbear #fatbearweek2021 #wildlife #wildlifephotography #canonphotography #canonr5 #canon100500rf exploreorg, Miss throw back Thursday but this was a great day I hope I can come close to repeating this summer. Yet, here in a town thats recorded winter temperatures of minus 61F, its perhaps understandable that function must always be prioritized over form by its 250 human residents; aesthetics are sacrificed to pragmatism. Heres why. Bears: Brown (grizzly) and black bears. Youll experience the state Alaskas national parks are nothing short of awe-inspiring and breathtaking. Sometimes polar bears wander nearby, and I can think of few images more jarring than a modern symbol of natures fragility coming face to face with this vast gouge of unclean industry, the bears white fur metaphorically and perhaps even literally spattered with corporations black oil. That being said, its roughly $400 per person, so you may decide that you want a cheaper option (which is why I led with Herring Cove). Dorothy starts laughing before Ive finished asking her if this is true. These bug repellents actually workif you use them correctly, People with ADHD struggle to stay afloat amid drug shortage, A supersonic jet chased a solar eclipse across Africafor science. In Alaska, you can see not only brown bears but also black bears. Many locals have large, mean-looking dogs, which here, at 70 degrees north, maintain their winter coats and surliness all year long. Theyre just playing, says Riley, and I believe him, but if this roughhousing happened to almost any other species, thered be nothing left afterwards but fleshy spaghetti. Whether they can endure it or not is another thing. Which Carriers Work? Book AWCCs Bear Encounter. The poetic collective noun for polar bears is an aurora, but around the community of Kaktovik they may be more accurately described as an inevitability of polar bears. #alaska #nationalpark #travel #traveladvisor #summer #tlpicks #anchorage #ak #nature #adventure #mountains #explore #naturelovers #fishing #wanderlust #outdoors #travelgram #beautifuldestinations #traveldeeper #mytinyatlas #welltravelled #wonderful_places, Alaska sunrise. If you are looking for bear watching in Alaska that is worthy of a wildlife documentary, pick the spot where the fish are running during your visit. Through Alaska Start your day with a fantastic scenic flight over the Alaskan backcountry and fly directly into the heart of bear viewing country. These animals that live in the wild are strong, fast, smart and extremely beautiful. There are cliffs near Kaktovik. The salmon runs are a key reason bears gather together in such high numbers. Shes spent her whole life in the northernmost reaches of the 49th state and explains that despite the challenges, theres no shortage of people willing to come up when accommodation is available. Some of the most popular bear viewing tours depart from communities such as Anchorage, Kodiak, Homer, and Juneau, visiting top bear viewing destinations like Brooks Falls at Katmai National Park, Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Clark National Park, Denali National Park, and Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area. However, leaving it later increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. 6 Map Website. And this is the ideal timing to see them. The largest recognized subspecies of bears, these behemoths can weigh more than half and tonne and can reach a height of 11 feet tall when standing on their hind legs. OFFICIAL STATE OF ALASKA VACATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Alaska Travel Industry Association. FOLLOW for more travel tips and ideas During my time in town, a local shoots a polar bear for allegedly trying to kill his hound. Katmai and the iconic Brooks Falls is best in July. Its been that way since the late 1960s, but if Kaktovik aint pretty, then PrudhoeNorth Americas largest oil fieldis a carbuncle in the permafrost. Abundant salmon at Brooks Falls attracts a healthy population of brown bears, which visitors can observe safely from lookout platforms. Access to McNeil is strictly controlled to preserve the area; a lottery determines who can visit for the season. Detected by studying rapidly spinning dead stars, these giant ripples of spacetime likely came from merging supermassive black holesand they may reveal clues about the nature of the universe. Alaska's "First City," the first port of call on many cruise itineraries, is Ketchikan. . Although the area can be lush in grasses, clams, and eventually salmon, a sow can never be too careful when entering the fields among the other bears. Though you can find bears almost everywhere in Alaska, the best spots to watch them are at Kenai National Park, Brooks River Falls, or Wolverine Creek. attend a Ranger-led program Travel Alaska is a registered trademark of Alaska Travel Industry Association. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy's sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. Heres what science recommends. Best Time & Place To See Bears In Ketchikan Alaska - PacificUpperLeft The North Slope lies 250 miles inside the Arctic Circle, far beyond the tree line and fewer than 1,400 miles from the North Pole. With Alaska Air Service you'll fly from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park, where they're a licensed park concessionaire. Visitors may be able to see as many as twenty coastal brown bears from a single location. If youre getting a little tired of boats while on this cruise and would prefer to fly to your destination, Carlin Air will take you to the Anan Bear Observatory (or, if you wish, to our previous destination, Traitors Cove). We cant wait to see you here soon for your next bear-watching adventure! Kodiak bears are omnivores - they also feed on . Who said it would be easy, or impossible? Brown bears also tend to get bigger than grizzly bears. The pride and joy of the region, Kodiak bears evolved after Kodiak Island broke free from the mainland 12,000 years ago. A cruise to Alaska takes you to many locations where you can see these beautiful works of art in person. #curriecotravels #kimdunndestinations Viewing the World's Largest Omnivore - Entre Destinations Visits to the falls are self-guided, with park service rangers on site to help keep things running smoothly. Katmai and the iconic Brooks Falls are best for, Since the bears are not competing for food at this time, visitors can witness a wide range of behaviors on a. Download all three Alaska tour brochures for tour dates and pricing. What are some things to do and see as day trips around Anchorage? Travel Alaska is a registered trademark of Alaska Travel Industry Association. Great Bear Rainforest. Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the most famous places in the National Park Service to see Alaskan brown bears in action. Our plane touches down briefly in Prudhoe Bay, where its another another 25-minute flight north west to Utqiagvik. . Read more here and dont forget to check out the Alaska vacation planner for more trip ideas. Standing your ground when any type of bear bluff charges is crucial, according to the National Park Service. COVID-19 Safety Book With Confidence Contact Us Call Our Experts (877) 587-8479. This bear doesnt seem to pay much attention to the group. At this question Dorothy wrinkles her nose: Well, OK if you boil it for long enough.. . The best bear viewing really depends on your dates. From national parks to guaranteed views, Anchorage is in the heart of bear country. Where Is The Best Place To See Bears In Alaska In September? katmainpp #brownbear #coastalbrownbear #alaska #alaskabears #fatbear #katmai #katmainationalpark #katmainationalparkandpreserve #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #canon #canonr5 #canonrf100500mm #canonusa #canonrf, A burly big fat bear A former timber town rich in Alaska Native culture and arts, Ketchikan offers plenty to do whether you're there for a day or a week. Seeing them out in nature is just awe-inspiring. Third, dont use your cameras flash or do anything to startle the bear. Sitting quietly helps the bears feel comfortable to come out into the meadows. Then I will end by going over a few bear safety tips that you should keep in mind. The last thing Ill throw in here is that theres a big debate among many Alaskans as to whether or not bear spray is worth it. I did Brooks Falls a few years ago and I know their peak times are July and Sept. so I don't want to try that one again. Cubs will typically stay with their mother for 2 years, although sometimes longer at which time she will either leave them or forcibly push them out. For outsiders, including myself, the immersion into Iupiat culture requires rapid adjustment. I think somebody was pulling your legthat bit is really just for fun.. (Should polar bear hunting be legal? I cant describe what it feels like. Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park, Whale Watching near Olympic National Park, Spotting Wildlife at the National Park Bavarian Forest, Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park. In the early days of working with the bears, he was asked to help Sir David Attenboroughs legendary cold-climate cameraman, Doug Allan, film them for the BBC. Anchorage is home for wild black and brown bears, and there are several good Anchorage.net is the official source for Anchorage, Alaska and Southcentral Alaska travel information on everything from outdoor adventures to metropolitan amenities. Its about 20 minutes south of town, so youll need to rent a car, get a cab, or join a tour group. 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - U.S. News Travel You can read more about us here! Alaska Wasilla. Seeing a bear up close in a guided and safe scenario can be one of the most thrilling moments of your Alaska vacation. Bear watching in Alaska is possible in Alaska's national parks throughout the summer months, with the salmon runs of July offering the best chance for visitors to witness bears gathering in large numbers. With the golden hour colors it looks straight out of a movie to me. As mating season winds down, many of the nomadic males disappear into the surrounding wilderness while females and their six-month-old cubs remain behind to take advantage of the rich food sources along the coastal plain. The next morning, we enjoy the towns rarest weather: brilliant sunshine with only hints of cirrus clouds appearing like brush strokes on the firmament. Residents of the town on the north shore of Barter Island live alongside the bears, the largest living species in the Ursidae family. Fairbanks. On the 6 - to 7 hour expedition with an intimate group (there's a 4 to 1 guest-to-guide . Was Nepal right to ban solo trekking in the Himalayas? animals_national_geographic Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. If you book a cruise along this route, you will have the option to book a bear-viewing excursion once you reach various ports of call. Second, dont smell like food. . I havent run into any in Ketchikan, but Ive seen bears quite a few times over by the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. The Best National Parks in Alaska to see Grizzly Bears Feed on Salmon. Join our email crew and get 10% off our PNW hoodies & shirts!We'll also include you in sporadic emails, travel guides, and updates about the area! I dont know which side is right, but be prepared to hear locals discuss it if you mention seeing a bear on your trip. View past newsletters here. What Is The Best Place To See Bears In Alaska? If youre only cruising one way and. This move sends the bear running in the opposite direction. Where is the best bear viewing in Alaska? - Visit Anchorage Thats when they go into the water to get food. 13 National Parks With Bears - Park Chasers It is home to a vast array of wildlife: whales, puffins, orcas, seals, otters, eagles, moutain goats, bears and much more. Im Scottish and, even at those comparatively generous latitudes, coping with parsimonious winter daylight is a challenge for most, and impossible for some. Even though Kaktovik is remote, its accessible. Best months: July through September. The best viewing option for grizzly bears is in Denali National Park. Now the whales taken from these waters each year account for no more than 0.5 percent of the population, making it a sustainable catch. We leave Homer in the mornings and Only have a day or two in Anchorage and want to witness the majestic Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat?