Separated from the mainland by the Shelikof Strait, Kodiak Island is a massive island on the south coast of Alaska. At 3,670 square miles, Kodiak Island is the second largest island in the United States. The island’s land is dominated by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge which is home to 3,500 Kodiak brown bears (the largest grizzly subspecies in the world).
To live on Kodiak Island is to alongside these massive apex predators and residents can have interesting reactions to encounters that would scare the life out of folks from the lower 48. Case in point this man who was filming some Kodiak brown bears along the Russian River when one spotted him and launched a charge. The man reflexes were good and he quickly ran across the road to the safety of his truck. When he realized it was just a bluff charge and the bear did not intend to attack, he giggled as ducked behind his flatbed.
In most cases Kodiak’s resident bears are not a threat but they do deserve and require your respect and attention. When traveling in bear country, stay alert and enjoy the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Learn more about staying safe in bear country from US Fish & Wildlife below:
US Fish & Wildlife Alaska Bear Safety Guidelines:
- Make noise so you don’t surprise a bear. Stay alert and look for signs of bears.
- Never approach or crowd bears; respect their “personal space.”
- Keep food, garbage and other attractants out of reach of bears.
- Stay calm during a bear encounter. Ready your deterrent. Stand your ground, group up with others and alert the bear by talking calmly. Don’t run.
Alaska is bear country and one of the few places in the world where all three species of North American bears live. You may have a chance to see a bear in Alaska. But even if you don’t you will never be far from one.
Bears are curious, intelligent and tend to avoid or ignore people, but can be dangerous. Many bears live in Alaska and many people enjoy the outdoors, but surprisingly few people see bears and only a few of those are ever threatened by a bear. Respecting bears and learning proper behavior can help you avoid conflict—and help you know how to react if you do see a bear.
