BEAR
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Abeare
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The Kenai Peninsula is home to approximately
3,000 black bears and 250 - 300 brown bears. Each summer curious
individuals venture into the Alaskan backcountry hoping to catch
a glimpse of these fascinating creatures. Sometimes the journey
into the woods is not necessary, as bears often appear in residents'
backyards or even in middle of town.
For a safe and exciting bear view excursion
we highly recommend booking a trip with one of our professional
guide services. Many guides provide transportation to the
West side of Cook Inlet, which boasts of unsurpassed brown bear
viewing.
If venturing into the wild on your own,
The best place to view Brown Bears
is along:
- Fuller Lake Trails
- Russian Lake Trail
- Resurrection Trail
Some interesting Brown Bear Facts:
- Brown Bears weight in at 250 to 1,000 pounds
(One Kodiak grizzly was reported to have weighed in at an amazing
1,500 pounds.)
- Brown Bears are also known as Grizzlies
The best place to view Black Bears is along:
- Swanson River Road
- Swan Lake Road
- Skilak Lake Road
- Skyline Trail
- Resurrection Trail
Some interesting Black Bear Facts:
- Black Bears weigh in at 100 to 400 pounds
- Black Bears are excellent climbers who often
seek safety in trees when threatened
Bears, particularly brown bears, may react aggressively
when taken by surprise. To avoid an unpleasant encounter follow
these simple tips:
Some bear safety tips:
- Be sure to make plenty of noise. Such as
clapping hands or singing
- When possible travel with a group
- Never approach a bear, it may consider this
aggression on your part
- Never run from a bear. It may mistake you
for prey and follow in pursuit
- If you find yourself face to face with a
bear wave your arms and speak loudly, identifying yourself as
human
- When camping hang food out of reach and keep
it in sealed containers. Prepare food at least 200 yards down
wind of your tent. Avoid foods with strong odors such as bacon
or fish
The Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center offers
a wide selection of publications about bears, including a pamphlet
about living with bears on the Kenai, and other Alaskan wildlife,
available for reference or purchase. Our staff is also quite knowledgeable
about the current locations and movements of animals on the Kenai
Peninsula.
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