Kodiak

The Kodiak Bear |

A Big Bear with a Big Success Story
While many large animals in North America find their way to the endangered species list, the Kodiak brown bear is a success story in the management of wildlife. The Kodiak bear is healthy and productive throughout the archipelago and its population is actually increasing. In fact, the Kodiak bear population is at an historichigh. According to Alaska Department of Fish & Game estimates, there are 3,500 bears on the Kodiak Archipelago. The vast majority of these bears live in the protected lands of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which comprises two-thirds of the island.

The Kodiak bear is a subspecies of the brown or grizzly bear. Brown bears migrated to the Kodiak Archipelago from mainland Alaska about 12,000 years ago.As the climate warmed at the end of the last ice age, the sea level rose and the bears became an isolated population. They live exclusively on the islands of theKodiak Archipelago.

Kodiak bears are the largest bears in the world. While they may grow to over 1,000 pounds, the average adult male weighs between 600-900 lbs; females generally weigh about 30 percent less. Although Kodiak bears areoften touted as the world’s largest carnivore, they are actually omnivores. Although fish is an important part of their diet, they eat more grass, plants and berries than meat and rarely expend the time or effort necessary to chase and kill animals.

Bears and humans have coexisted on the Kodiak Archipelago for almost 8,000 years. Ancestors of the Alutiiq venerated and respected their islandco-habitants and although they were hunted for food, clothing and tools, native hunters left the head in the field as a sign of respect to the spirit of the bears. Kodiak has a long history of bear hunting which continues today. Regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the hunting system is designed to keep bear populations at an appropriate level for the health and welfare of thespecies. Kodiak is fortunate to have one of the most successful and well-regulated hunting systems in the world.Bear-viewing is one of the most popular activities on Kodiak Island. The best time to see a Kodiak bear is during July, August and September and the best way to do so is in the company of a knowledgeable outfitter. Most local air taxis offer half-day viewing trips. Multi-day bear viewing trekscan be booked with remote lodges. Some boat charters and kayak outfitters specialize in bear and wildlife viewing. Special use cabins can be reserved through the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge office and through the Alaska State Parks office in Kodiak. Bears are rarely seen on the road system, so if seeing a Kodiak brown bear is an important component of your Alaska experience, plan ahead, selectan outfitter, and book your bear-viewing experience several months in advance.It is important to always remember that we are guests in the bears' home and that the future of this unique population depends on the respect and thoughtfulness humans demonstrate when visiting bear country. Kodiak bears are shy by nature and any kind of human interaction may cause them stress. In most cases these bearsare not a threat, but they do deserve your respect and attention. When traveling in bear country always exercise caution and keep alert to the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Learn as much as you can before your trip. Call or email for brochures on bear viewing and bear safety along with information on outfitters, lodges, and air and water transportation tobear viewing areas. Email:  visit@kodiak.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  Phone: 907-486-4782 or 800-789-4782.Bear Safety
Bears Don’t Like Surprises! When hiking or fishing on your own, look for signs of bears and make plenty of noise. Thick vegetation and tall grasses on Kodiak Island make it difficult to see bears. It’s best to...