Understanding Alaska's Black Bears: Essential Info

While massive brown bears tend to get all the attention, Alaska is also home to equally impressive black bear populations throughout its forests and mountains. For those seeking an intimate encounter with these majestic creatures, consider this Your Ultimate Guide to Bear Viewing in Alaska, An Unforgettable Experience.

Getting to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats is indeed an unforgettable privilege. Read on to Meet Alaska’s Bears: An In-Depth Look at Alaska’s Majestic Creatures.

Black Bear Identification

Compared to their larger grizzly relatives, black bears have a more feminie appearance and lankier build. They have the archetypal bear shape with a straight facial profile.

Size: 5-6 feet long and around 200-300 lbs. Much smaller than brown bears.
Fur: Fluffy and black in color, though can sometimes appear brown or blonde. Has a faint white patch on the chest.
Claws: Shorter claws than brown bears for tree climbing.
Diet: Opportunistic eaters but mostly vegetation like berries, plants, nuts.
Behaviors: Excellent climbers and swimmers. Shy and typically avoid humans.

Where to Find Black Bears in Alaska

While less concentrated than iconic brown bear habitats, black bears inhabit many parts of Alaska. Prime areas include:

Interior mountain ranges like the Brooks Range and Alaska Range
Denali National Park and Preserve
Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska
Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley
Farther north and west in locations like Fairbanks and the Seward Peninsula

Anywhere with forest and shrub coverage you may encounter black bears foraging.

Best Time to See Black Bears

Though potentially active year-round in milder coastal areas, inland black bears follow similar cycles as brown bears:

Early summer: Bears emerge from dens with new cubs. Berries aren’t ripe yet so they focus on protein sources.
Mid summer: Peak feeding on ripened berries like salmonberry, blueberry, and huckleberry. Easy to spot bears in shrubbery feasting on berries.
Fall: Bears actively forage to pack on extra fat before denning season. Good visibility.
Spring: Females emerge from dens with new cubs. Limited viewing as bears seek food.

Black Bear Viewing Tips

A few pointers to maximize your black bear sightings:

Pack bug spray – Bears forage in shrubby habitat prone to mosquitoes.
Use spotting scopes/binoculars – Black bears are smaller and harder to spot in forests.
Pay attention to sounds – Black bears make distinct jaw popping and woofing sounds when feeding.
Look for day beds – Flattened grassy areas where bears rest temporarily.
Examine trees – Fresh claw marks indicate bears are climbing trees in the area.

Seeing a black bear climbing a tree or grazing on berries is a special treat for Alaska visitors. Experienced guides like Captain Mel Erickson can help you find and view these remarkable animals respectfully. Contact the team at Bear Viewing in Alaska to start planning your black bear adventure!

Phone Number: 1-907-398-1744

Email Address: gamefish@alaska.net