Grizzly bears are a typical sight in Katmai Nationwide Park. About 2,200 reside within the park, with much more estimated to reside on the Alaskan Peninsula. So whereas many bear populations decline world wide, Katmai stays as one of many few unaltered habitats for the animals and an unimaginable spot for vacationers to go bear watching.
The preferred bear watching sight contained in the park is definitely Brooks Camp, located proper on the mouth of the Brooks River. Bears are so frequent within the space that after vacationers arrive (often by float airplane) they’re required to attend a quick bear security discuss outlining park laws. In the meantime park rangers are continuously busy preserving the bears away from the park services, guaranteeing that they don’t turn into comfy round human exercise.
On this case, a younger grizzly had managed its method onto the bridge close to Brooks Lodge, one other frequent viewing sight for bears within the space. A ranger got here in to maneuver the bear alongside whereas ensuring vacationers saved far-off from the animal.
Park rangers are the one individuals who ought to ever be approaching bears in any nationwide park, and that’s solely as a result of they’ve the right coaching and understanding to take action. This ranger clearly had a bottle of bear spray able to deploy in case it grew to become vital, and he by no means moved too near the animal too rapidly. Whereas it relies on the park and the world, in Katmai Nationwide Park, guests are prohibited from approaching inside 50 yards (150 toes) or remaining inside 50 yards (150 toes) of brown bears.
Hike and Journey in Teams
Teams of 4 or extra persons are sometimes very secure in bear nation. Teams of persons are often noisier and smellier than a single particular person. Subsequently, bears typically turn into conscious of teams of individuals at larger distances, and due to their cumulative dimension teams of persons are additionally passively intimidating to bears. Mountaineering and touring in teams is usually one of the best ways to extend your stage of security in bear nation.
Be Alert
Katmai’s bears are principally diurnal (lively through the day) however are additionally lively at night time and might be present in all of Katmai’s habitats. By no means assume you’re in a “bear free” space. Be looking out for indicators of bears and be particularly cautious in areas the place bears might have hassle detecting you. Typically, you may see a bear earlier than it’s conscious of you. In these conditions, again away quietly the identical method you got here and provides the bear area.
Make Noise
In areas the place visibility is restricted make noise to warn bears of your strategy. Brown bears can react defensively if they’re stunned. The human voice is the very best software to warn bears of your strategy. Bears might not affiliate different noise makers, corresponding to bells, with individuals. Please bear in mind that you’re not making noise to scare bears away, solely to warn them of your strategy. As soon as a bear is conscious of your presence it’s often not essential to make further noise.
Do Not Strategy Bears
It’s best to at all times keep away from interfering with bear motion or foraging actions. If a bear reacts to your presence you’re too shut. Bears are creatures of behavior and habitually use the identical journey routes. Many shut encounters might be prevented if you happen to transfer out of a bear’s line of journey earlier than it’s shut. Moreover, persons are prohibited from approaching bears inside 50 yards or remaining inside 50 yards of a bear utilizing a concentrated meals supply together with, however not restricted to, animal carcasses, spawning salmon, and different feeding areas.
Steer Away from Locations with Meals that Entice Bears
Salmon streams, mud flats with clams, and sedge meadows are areas that appeal to bears and consequently individuals who need to watch them. Anglers are additionally drawn to streams the place salmon are actively spawning.
Since most individuals go to Katmai to both see bears or fish in streams the place bear encounters are probably, it may be tough to remain away from areas with meals that appeal to bears. Nevertheless, please contemplate fishing when bears will not be at peak numbers (like on the Brooks River in June and August) and/or viewing bears at a distance, not, for instance, from the center of a sedge meadow or a salmon stream.
