Most bear viewing is conducted either from the safety boats close in to beaches, or on the wide-open tidal flats at Kukak Bay. Please notice in the group photo with a blond bear in the background across the stream that the tidal flats provide unimpeded views for miles. Since people are always in sight of the bears, the element of surprise is gone (surprising a bear is about the most dangerous thing a person can do in bear country). Also, there are no published reports of bears attacking groups of at least 3 adult humans. By staying out in the open, and in groups, 95% of the risk of bear viewing is eliminated when on-shore. To further reduce risk, the Lodge’s guides observe the National Park Service (NPS) recommended minimum distances that humans should maintain from bears. The NPS recommends a minimum of 50 yards from individual bears, and a minimum of 100 yards from sows with cubs.

When humans let bears go about their business (fishing and foraging) unimpeded, the bears will let humans go about their business (viewing and photography) unimpeded.

Did you know that Katmai’s coastal bears dig for clams?