Please reach us at info@lastfrontierbearviewing.com if you have further questions which we are more than happy to answer for you.
In the 107 year history of Katmai National Park there is only one documented instance of human fatality involving a bear and that was in 2003, which saw two people succumb to injuries from an attack. If you wish to know more about this incident, it was and is a widely documented occurrence of which details can be found online.
The two areas we operate our Coastal Bear Camps are open meadow with sight lines of up to several miles, the chance of a surprise encounter with a bear is minimal. As is widely the case in other parts of the US and Canada, surprise encounters make up a high percentage of negative human / bear interactions. Our Salmon Run Bear Camps are a mix of open tundra similar to being out on open meadow, while down on the river the chances of a surprise encounter rise slightly but with the right precautions, are unlikely.
As hunting is prohibited in Katmai National Park, the bears have learnt not to view humans as a threat and nor have they associated humans as a means to obtaining food. For these reasons along with an abundance of natural food be it protein rich sedge grasses, clams and salmon, educated and responsible commercial operators and rules and best practices implemented and recommended by the National Park Service, these factors have all contributed to bears and humans able to coexist.
At camp we are within the confines of an electric fence which provides up to 10,000 watts of electrical current, a curious bear will lead with it's nose and on contact with the fence they'll be met with a most uncomfortable zap. Bears are incredibly intelligent animals and will learn from such a negative experience. Bear fences have been proven to be an effective deterrent.
All food is contained within bear proof storage containers and coolers which meet and or exceed Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee requirements, no food of any kind is permitted in guest tents and if you are to bring the odd snack with you it is mandatory that you provide that to us on arrival so we can store it safely, for both us and the bears.
While we pride ourselves on our camps being a true wilderness experience, we do have access to satellite internet. Knowing that in an emergency we have connection to the outside world is crucial as is the option of a satellite phone.
At all times outside the electric fence your guides will carry bear spray and flares which are very rarely needed (I've never needed to utilize either thankfully). A satellite phone will also be on hand in the event of an emergency.
The National Park Service prohibits humans approaching a bear any closer than 50 yards, that said on their own terms, the bears will quite often come within that distance and it is here where our experience around bears is crucial. Being able to identify the body language of a bear and the stress levels of a bear determine how your guides interact with the bears, if needed.
Additionally it is imperative that your backpack and or camera gear be within arms reach at all times, again bears are very curious animals and obtaining access to human belongings could eventually lead to a bear/human conflict.
Other safety measures will be discussed in further detail on arrival and before heading out to view the bears.
Expect 4 seasons in a day, particularly at our Coastal Bear Camp. Ensure you have quality rain gear and bring layers of clothing (avoid cotton). Temperatures can dip to 32f overnight and as high as 65f during the days. The weather at times can be a challenge and can humble us, but that's all part of the experience.
Breakfast can consist of oatmeal, pancakes, fruit and of course coffee. Lunches will be pb&j or tuna sandwiches and dinners can include various pasta options. We also provide a variety of freeze dried backpacking meals (just add hot water) for both breakfast and dinner. An assortment of snacks including candy gummies, granola bars, trail mix are widely available.
A private tented bathroom amenity is provided at camp.