Bear Viewing in Alaska

How to Stay Safe While Viewing Bears in Alaska: Top Tips from Experts

 

Getting up close to “Your Ultimate Guide to Bear Viewing in Alaska: An Unforgettable Experience!” Alaska’s majestic bears in the wild offers an incredible, bucket list experience. However, it also requires following proper precautions. Viewing these powerful predators in their natural habitat demands preparation and respect for both bears and the unique risks of the Alaskan wilderness. Use these tips from seasoned experts to stay safe on your Alaskan bear viewing adventure.

Choose an Ethical, Experienced Guide or Tour Operator

Viewing bears with trusted experts maximizes both safety and viewing success. Reputable guides and tour companies:

• Have extensive bear safety training and experience
• Use responsible practices that prioritize bears’ wellbeing
• Have proper permits and gear for safely accessing bear habitats
• Provide instructions and briefings on bear safety protocols
• Closely supervise all guest interactions with bears
• Will always put guest safety first in bear encounters

Leave wildlife viewing to the professionals rather than trying to view bears on your own. Guides create controlled, non-disruptive environments ideal for safe bear observation.

Keep Your Distance

Respecting bears’ space is vital. Follow these distance guidelines:

• Land: Stay at least 300 yards/900 feet from bears when possible. Double in areas like Katmai where bears are habituated.
• Water: When viewing coastal bears, boats should stay at least 100 yards offshore. Closer boats can displace bears from prime feeding areas.
• Charges: Stand your ground if a bear charges. Bears often veer off or stop short at close range if you don’t run.

Bears will communicate when uncomfortable with distance. Obey guides’ instructions and give them ample space.

Avoid Surprising Bears

Startled bears can respond aggressively to defend themselves. Avoid surprising techniques:

• Make noise when hiking to announce your presence. Talk, sing, clap hands.
• Stay alert and watch ahead carefully when traveling.
• Never approach cubs or carcasses where bears may be guarding and protecting.

Give bears time to acknowledge and move away from you. Never disrupt bears’ natural behaviors.

Be Bear “Aware”

Vigilance is critical. Follow these tips:

• Always hike or travel in a tight group. Avoid wandering off alone.
• Don’t let bears surround or cut off your retreat route if approached.
• Look for bear signs like tracks, scat, and overturned logs.
• Carry deterrents like bear spray in hand and know how to use them.
• Follow guides’ instructions instantly in encounters. Don’t run or make sudden movements.

Camp and Cook Carefully

Bears can be attracted to human food sources. Take precautions:

• Cook/eat at least 100 yards downwind from tents if camping.
• Store food securely out of reach and smell of bears at night. Use bear-proof containers.
• Clean cooking areas thoroughly. Don’t have scented items in tents.
• Set up tents safely away from brush, trails, and streams bears travel.

Being bear wise ultimately keeps both people and wildlife safe. Seeking the guidance of trained professionals like those at “Surviving Bear Country: Essential Safety and Etiquette for Bear Viewing” provides the ideal opportunity to observe Alaska’s bears responsibly and respectfully. Reach out to start planning your viewing adventure today!

Phone Number: 1-907-398-1744

Email Address: gamefish@alaska.net