Bear Safety in Katmai

Female bear and spring cub

NPS Photo by Tamara Olson

The following guidelines will help you travel safely in bear country:

Food Storage
All food, beverages, garbage, and any other odorous items must be attended at all times. They must be stored in a hard-sided building or bear-resistant container (BRC, or "bear barrel"). A limited supply of BRCs are available for temporary check-out, free of charge at Brooks Camp and at the King Salmon Visitor Center. Do not plan on hanging as a method of storage; trees are sparse in Katmai and are generally not suitable for hanging food.

Information on approved containers can be found at either the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee or the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group's websites.

Gear Storage
Keep your belongings with you: A pack or clothing left unattended invites curious bears. Not only will your belongings likely be destroyed, but the bear may also learn to associate such items with interesting smells or, even worse, food.

Be Alert
Bears are active both day and night and could be anywhere.

Make Noise
In dense stands of willow or alder and other conditions that hamper visibility, make lots of noise so bears can hear you approach. Bears may perceive you as a threat if you startle them. By making noise such as clapping, singing, or even talking loudly, you can alert a bear to your presence and it will likely choose to avoid you. Try to stay with a group when traveling in bear country. A group is noisier, easier for a bear to detect, and more intimidating than one person or two people.

Avoid Close Encounters
If you see a bear that is unaware of your presence or far away, back away slowly and quietly while keeping an eye on the bear.

Do Not Approach
The minimum recommended safe distance from any bear is 50 yards. Avoid actions that interfere with bear movement or foraging activities.

 

Male and subadult brown bears

Photo courtesy of Sharon Kim

Remain Calm
A bear may approach closely or rear-up on its hind legs to identify you. Back away slowly, moving diagonally out of its path of travel. You may need to leave a trail (if available) temporarily to allow a bear to pass. If a bear follows you, stop and hold your ground. If a bear continues to approach, make noise, wave your arms, and try to appear as large as possible.

Don't Run
Running may encourage a bear to pursue you. Bears can run faster than 30 mph (50 km/hr). You cannot outrun them. If a bear is charging you, try to appear non-threatening. Stand your ground and speak to the bear in a calm voice. Bears sometimes come within a few feet of people before veering off.

If a Bear Makes Contact with You...
Play dead. Fall to the ground on your stomach with your legs apart. Lock your hands behind your neck to protect your neck and face. If you do get rolled over, keep rolling until you're face down again. Stay quietly in this position until the bear has left the area. If the attack continues long after you have assumed the protective position, fight back vigorously.

Fishing Around Bears
Remember: Bears come here to fish, too. When bear activity is at its peak, both bears and anglers compete for the same resources. Stop fishing whenever bears are close enough to see or hear you and break your line if you encounter a bear. A bear quickly learns to associate anglers and/or the splashing of a fish in play with an easy meal and can take away your fish in seconds.

A bear that has learned that humans are a good source of food may become dangerous to people in the park and in local communities outside the park. In most cases such bears must eventually be destroyed. You can prevent this by being aware of how to behave to protect yourself and the bears.

Camping Around Bears
If you are camping in Brooks Camp from June 1 through September 17, an electric fence is maintained by the park around the camp perimeter.

If you are camping in the backcountry, however, you may want to consider bringing an electric fence. Electric fences have been adapted for use in bear country and have been effective at minimizing intrusions into campsites. Typically, park staff in the field choose to use electric fences. Visitors planning to use electric fences must bring their own equipment; the park does not provide electric fencing material. Click here for more information on electric fences at the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.