Brown Bears

Two sibling bear cubs play in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.

Brown bears are an integral part of Southwest Alaska parks and are specifically mentioned in the enabling legislation of Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks and Preserves. These animals play important ecological roles as top predators influencing population dynamics of other species and as means of nutrient transfer from spawning salmon to the terrestrial system. Moreover, Alagnak National Wild River, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, and Katmai and Lake Clark national parks and preserves support high densities of brown bears; in fact, estimated densities of brown bears along the Katmai coastline are the highest reported in North America. Brown bears are drawn to these areas because of the abundant salmon runs, which also draw sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world. The presence of the bears has begun to draw larger numbers of bear viewers during the past two decades.

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Contact: Tammy Wilson

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