KATMAI NATIONAL PARK, Alaska – Katmai National Park is famous for its grizzly bears. Heck, there are incredibly popular live streams dedicated to watching them fish. This popularity exists for a reason, there are a lot of brown bears in Katmai National Park, somewhere around 2,200. As such, rangers occasionally have rather close encounters with these animals. While heavily trained in the matter, it’s impossible to deny that these people aren’t incredibly brave.
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There are several bear viewing spots in Katmai National Park, but the most popular is Brooks Camp. Brooks Lodge is accessible only by air, and those who visit are required to partake in a “bear etiquette” talk upon their arrival, but it can be an incredible opportunity to see some real life brown bears in action.
“Nurturing this relationship between people and bears is the key to Katmai’s success as a bear-viewing destination. Rangers, scientists, and the public work together to maintaining this fragile balance. It is important that all who visit Katmai respect bears and are armed with the knowledge to stay safe in bear country. The urge to take the perfect photograph or maintain the best fishing hole with your fly rod can be strong, but bears need space to sleep, eat, rest, travel, and play. By recognizing the needs of the bears and giving them space, each of us plays a role in keeping bears wild.” – National Park Service