2021 Bear Behavior Alert

This year, with the later return of large numbers of salmon to Brooks River, we are seeing a change in bear behavior. Many bears are not successfully catching as many fish as they typically do by this point most years. Noticeable changes in bear behavior include bears fighting who normally tolerate each other, bears running from each other more frequently, and bears huffing (usually a sign that a bear is stressed or annoyed). We also have an increase in our visitation numbers this Summer. The park staff request that every visitor exercise extra caution as some bears may be less tolerant of humans given current conditions.

NPS staff have voiced concerns about instances at Brooks Camp, and elsewhere in the park, where individuals and groups are frequently in close proximity to bear. Thus far this season there have already been at least two human-bear contacts that we are aware of in Katmai National Park and Preserve. Most years no such contacts are documented. These contacts are cause for concern and we are asking park operators and visitors to understand that Katmai's bears are wild and will behave accordingly. People should strive to remain 50 yards away from bear at all times and must give way to bears when they are trying to access a concentrated food source, such as salmon in a freshwater system. Visitors also need to follow the direction of NPS employees requesting them to move back to a safer distance.

Please help us ensure a great experience for both the bears and the visitors by knowing and following park regulations. Your help and cooperation is necessary to protect the Katmai experience, Katmai’s bears, and everyone’s safety at this amazing place. Learn more about how to avoid a bear encounter and what to do if you experience one at Bear Encounters in Katmai - Katmai National Park & Preserve

If you see or experience a bear encounter where bears contact camps, gear, or approach humans in an aggressive manner, please report this to park staff. Include what happened, the location, any possible description of the bear (age, sex, etc.), as well as human response and contact information for follow up.