Temporary Camping Closure In The Nunatak Cove Area No Longer In Effect

Date: August 1, 2008
Contact: Allison Banks, 907-697-2230

Superintendent Cherry Payne today announces a lifting of the temporary closure to overnight camping from 1 mile north of Nunatak Cove to 1 mile south of  Goose Cove in the East Arm of Glacier Bay.  However, an advisory remains in effect for the shoreline between Goose and Nunatak Coves.

This notice is to inform kayakers that the temporary closure to overnight camping issued from 1 mile north of Nunatak Cove to 1 mile south of Goose Cove in the East Arm of Glacier Bay is no longer in effect. The closure was issued following a bear incident on  July 11 when a pair of kayakers camping between Nunatak Cove and Goose Cove encountered an adult brown bear who caused significant damage to their gear and kayak. This area of shoreline was temporarily closed in accordance with Code of Federal Regulation Title 36, 13.50 in order to minimize the opportunity for this bear to come into contact with people and to allow park staff to investigate the area. On July 15^th, park bear management personnel investigated the site and discovered a moose carcass that was actively being fed upon by a bear. Park staff returned to the site on July 30^th and found that the carcass had been mostly consumed yet there was evidence of recent bear activity. Because brown bears defending a food source pose significant risk to people, the National Park Service is issuing an advisory recommending no camping or foot traffic on the shoreline between the north mouth of Goose Cove and the stream in Nunatak Cove. This advisory will remain in effect until August 14^th, 2008.

Campers are reminded that bears range widely throughout the park and that bear-human conflicts can occur anywhere. Two important keys to minimizing the potential for conflicts include storing food and attractants properly and keeping control of gear and property at all times. Please report all bear encounters to the Visitor Information Station. Visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are advised to contact the park’s Visitor Information Station (907-697-2627) for the most current information regarding bear incidents in the area.