KATMAI NATIONAL PARK, Alaska – Katmai National Park is a hot location for brown bear watching. Sadly that means it also attracts a lot of dumb people who think they can get close to brown bears. The guy in this video is one of three who decided to wade into the river for a close-up selfie. While the bears were pretty uninterested in the people, the courts were not, and all three were sentenced to multiple days in prison and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
The video was captured off Katmai National Park’s Explore.org bear cams. There are around 2,200 brown bears inside Katmai National Park, with the Brooks Camp location marking the most popular spot for those hoping to see these animals in person.
To be clear, the bears inside Katmai National Park brown/grizzly bears. According to the National Park Service, brown and grizzly bears are the same animals, they’re just referred to differently based on where they live. The bears that live on the coast of Alaska are called brown bears, while the bears living inland with limited or no access to marine food sources are referred to as grizzly bears. Brown bears are often larger, thanks to their access to marine-derived food.
Katmai National Park on Bear Safety in the park:
“Maintain at least 50 yards (48 meters) from any bear at all times. Approaching any large mammal within 50 yards and remaining within 50 yards of a bear using a concentrated food source is prohibited. Brooks Camp is a unique situation where bears are often given the right-of-way. Within Katmai, bears are less likely show curiosity or defensiveness towards people when we maintain distances greater than 50 yards.
When traveling, avoid surprising bears and make your presence known. It is best to talk and travel in groups. Alerting bears with your voice can be especially important where visibility is limited. Remember, however, that you are not making noise to scare bears away, only to alert them to your presence. Once a bear identifies you as a human, making loud noises may agitate the animal.
Never run from any bear. During a close encounter, speak to the bear in a calm voice and back away from the bear until it resumes normal activities like resting, traveling, or feeding.”
