News Release

News Release: 2023 Be Beary Aware at Sitka NHP

Date: May 1, 2023
Contact: Jessica Perkins, 907-474-0140

SITKA, ALASKA — Bears are awake and active around Sitka and the park. The first bear sighting of the season in the park occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. on 4/27/23. As bear season is upon us, Sitka NHP staff have a few reminders. Please join us in being bear aware and working to minimize conflict between these important animals and humans.

The area near Kaasdahéen (Indian River) is bear habitat. Bears are a part of our surroundings and the natural ecosystem at Sitka National Historical Park. Use the bear activity signs as a guide to inform your decision about whether or not to use a trail. Realize that bears could be present at unexpected times. 

The park uses an escalating bear alert system (green-amber-red) to caution you about bear activity.  

• Green means bears have been in the area (observed overnight use, recent scat or tracks). Bear aware signs are posted around the park.  
• Yellow or Amber signs mean bears are periodically fishing in the river and visitors or staff have encountered a bear (human and bear both aware of each other without incident). Use Extreme Caution Active Bear Area. 
• Red signs mean a trail or trails are closed because bears are present throughout the park during the day and bear is exhibiting aggressive or habituated behavior. Risk of an incident is high.

You can help by reporting all bear observations in the park. This can be done by reporting your observation at the visitor center, calling the bear hotline [phone]), or telling any park ranger. Please include the date, time, and location of the bear sighting, a description of the bear, and what it was doing.   

NPS staff have initiated daily bear roves each morning. You may hear loud noises, including the blowing of an air horn between 7AM and 9AM throughout the season. This activity is designed to deter bears from remaining present within Sitka NHP during daylight open hours.