“That was a first for the bear cams for sure.” –Mike Fitz, Explore.org Resident Naturalist
Wild story out of Alaska where a hiker in distress came upon an Explore.org remote camera set up to livestream the activities of brown bears at Katmai National Park and used it to call for rescue.
The yet to be named hiker was caught in wet and windy conditions with visibility down to 50 feet when he found the bear cam. Looking directly into the lens, he seems to have said the words “help me” and “lost.” Concerned online viewers recognized that the guy need assistance and contacted Explore.org staff, who in turn notified their partners at the National Park Service. A search and rescue team was dispatched and found the hiker within hours and escorted him to safety.
Tip of the cap to the folks who were watching and took the necessary steps to get this dude off the mountain safely. Cheers!
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Katmai National Park, located in southern Alaska, is a pristine wilderness sanctuary that spans over 4 million acres of breathtaking natural beauty. Established in 1918, it is renowned for its rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the iconic Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.
One of Katmai’s main draws is its thriving population of brown bears. The park offers unparalleled opportunities for bear viewing, particularly at Brooks Falls, where these majestic creatures gather to catch salmon during the summer months, creating unforgettable spectacles for visitors.
The park’s diverse ecosystems encompass lush forests, volcanic terrains, and pristine coastlines along the Shelikof Strait. Its remote and untouched nature makes it an ideal destination for hiking, backpacking, and wilderness exploration. Fishing enthusiasts also flock to Katmai to reel in salmon and trout in its pristine rivers and streams.
In addition to its natural wonders, Katmai National Park holds a significant place in environmental history, thanks to the 1912 eruption of Novarupta, which created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a surreal landscape of ash and fumaroles. Today, it stands as a testament to the Earth’s geological forces.
Whether you seek encounters with wildlife, immersion in untamed landscapes, or a glimpse into the Earth’s volcanic past, Katmai National Park offers an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
