| Bear Viewing Association To watch, to wonder, and to conserve |
| Bear Viewing Association To watch, to wonder, and to conserve [email protected] Ph/Fax (907) 260-9059 (Office) 39200 Alma Ave. Soldotna, AK 99669 |
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Accessing Opportunities for Viewing and Other Entertainment
Although Alaska offers a huge variety of such opportunities, we assume that you will be based in Anchorage. So the opportunities we identify for
Gateway Communities
Swikshak and Hallo Bay can be reached from Homer or Kodiak (wheeled or float plane).
Additional information tailored to IBA members and their companions is organized both by gateway community and by viewing site. Click on the
name of a community to see which sites are accessed from there. Or click on the name of a viewing site to see which communities serve it.
Lodging
.
Equipment, Supplies, and Services
If you plan to hike, fish or camp, you might want to purchase or rent appropriate equipment (tent, pepper spray, perimeter alarm, bug spray,
etc.), and to stock up on food or other supplies. For some gateway communities, we provide links to vendors of various goods and services --
including not only tour companies, air/water taxies, and viewing guides, but also legal, mechanical and medical, in the unlikely event you or your
vehicle runs into trouble.
Viewing Bears
Alaska's bears are most readily seen at concentrations of high-protein or high-energy foods such as prey or
succulent spring vegetation. Those foods are seasonal and patchy.
Salmon Sites
During early- to mid-June, there are few salmon runs to attract bears. Of those, the most readily accessible site for
seeing bears trying to catch salmon is at Wolverine Creek. There may also be a run in the Russian River on the
Kenai Peninsula, at Mikfik Creek which drains into McNeil Cove, and a small run at Swikshak on the Katmai coast.
Sedge and Clam Sites
Bears can often be seen grazing in a coastal sedge meadow or clamming in a nearby subtidal zone (at low tide) at
Silver Salmon, Chinitna Bay, McNeil River Game Sanctuary, or Hallo Bay.
Other Entertainment: Cutural, Sightseeing, Angling, etc.
You might also be looking for other forms of recreation -- perhaps something to keep your companions entertained
while you are at the conference. For example, some might want to delve into our heritage, including both Native and
Russian roots. Or you might want to fish for salmon or halibut, or sightsee by hiking, boating or flying. This website
can also guide you to some of those other opportunities.
Alaska's bears are most readily seen at concentrations of high-protein or high-energy foods such as prey or
succulent spring vegetation. Those foods are seasonal and patchy.
Salmon Sites
During early- to mid-June, there are few salmon runs to attract bears. Of those, the most readily accessible site for
seeing bears trying to catch salmon is at Wolverine Creek. There may also be a run in the Russian River on the
Kenai Peninsula, at Mikfik Creek which drains into McNeil Cove, and a small run at Swikshak on the Katmai coast.
Sedge and Clam Sites
Bears can often be seen grazing in a coastal sedge meadow or clamming in a nearby subtidal zone (at low tide) at
Silver Salmon, Chinitna Bay, McNeil River Game Sanctuary, or Hallo Bay.
Other Entertainment: Cutural, Sightseeing, Angling, etc.
You might also be looking for other forms of recreation -- perhaps something to keep your companions entertained
while you are at the conference. For example, some might want to delve into our heritage, including both Native and
Russian roots. Or you might want to fish for salmon or halibut, or sightsee by hiking, boating or flying. This website
can also guide you to some of those other opportunities.
Coast of Katmai National Park
Hallo Bay and Swikshak
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| Renewal In part because bears can be so dangerous, they force you to pay attention. The awe of being in their presence strips away the chaos of thoughts and distractions that normally dominate your consciousness. They focus your attention on the moment. They flood your blood with adrenaline and endorphins. They introduce you to terror, awe, amazement and ecstasy. They connect you to the deepest pulses of life. This is their gift. The power to take your life, or to renew it; to re-create who you are, if only for a moment, and perhaps for a lifetime. © S. Stringham 2002 |