Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

Curious black bear reported at the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes -- Last update 7/30/2021

Over the month of July, the park has received reports of a curious black bear at the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. To prevent the bear from becoming conditioned to human presence, the park requires use of bear resistant food containers and encourages all visitors to increase their bear awareness while also carrying bear spray.

The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue loans bear-resistant containers certified by the IGBC to visitors free of charge. Containers are loaned on a first come, first serve basis, so call ahead at [phone] to check availability and options.

Bear Encounters

Please report any bear encounters you experience while visiting Kobuk Valley by:

1. downloading the Alaska Bear Encounter Report Form and e-mailing it to [e-mail] or
2. calling the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center front desk at 907-442-3890.

For additional information about staying safe in bear country, explore our Bear Safety web page.