The Alaskan wilderness is full of magnificent wildlife and landscapes that will take your breath away. One of our most majestic wildlife residents is the Kodiak Brown Bear. Here at Afognak Wilderness Lodge, we want to share a few brown bear facts and safety tips to help guests stay informed on these massive creatures and why we love them so much!
Brown Bear Facts
The Kodiak Brown Bear is known as the largest bear in the world in close running with the polar bear, and it is always a thrill to see them wandering through the Alaskan wilderness. When you embark on our fishing adventures or wildlife excursions at Afognak Wilderness Lodge, it is not uncommon to come across bears or signs that they have been through the area. The Kodiak Brown Bear is exclusively found on the Kodiak islands of Alaska and is thought to have been isolated there since the ice age in their own natural habitat. They often frequent the saltwater beaches as well as the salmon creeks in search of a tasty meal of fish. They can also be found near thickets of berries as they are omnivorous and enjoy a sweet treat. With an average life expectancy of 20-25 years of age, and can reach weights upwards of 700 pounds for females and 1,400 pounds for males. Though females tend to be at least 20% smaller than their male counterparts, a male bear can stand at over 9 feet tall when standing on their hind legs. They are truly kings among the Alaskan wilderness!
Kodiak Brown Bear Safety
Though bear attacks are few and far between, it is always important to practice bear safety while visiting our Afognak Island home. If you should come in contact with a bear, try to remain calm. Keeping your distance is essential, especially if there are cubs in the area. It is best to give them their space and do not approach them, because they may see you as a threat and charge to protect themselves or their cubs. In the instance of being faced with a bear, there are a few things to remember. Make sure you make noise as you make your way through the area as to not sneak up on them. If a bear spots you and you feel the situation is not in the best of terms, make yourself look larger by putting your hands up, and if you are in a group, stand close to one another to appear bigger. Slowly start backing away until you are to safety, and if the bear advances towards you, stop until it stops and then you can continue backing up. The final bear tip is never to feed them. If a human feeds a bear, they will associate people with food, and they will be more likely to approach others or sniff out possible human domains in search of their meals rather than hunting in their natural grounds.
Our Wilderness Lodge Encounters
Here at Afognak Wilderness Lodge, our team is well-versed in safely maneuvering the Alaskan wilderness. During your fishing adventures and other exciting excursions, you will encounter many animals along the way; such as land otters, Sitka deer, fox, and more! We can help point out and identify animals along the way, and if you run into a Kodiak Brown Bear, our guides know how to keep you safe so that you can have a spectacular experience. There is no shortage of incredible encounters when you set out on an adventure with us at Afognak Wilderness Lodge.
