Grizzly bears are an abundant and widespread species throughout Alaska, making the state home to one of the largest populations in North America. These powerful animals are an iconic feature of the Alaskan wilderness, found across the landscape from coastal rainforests to the Arctic tundra. Visitors and residents must understand how to coexist safely with this predator.
Understanding the Alaskan Brown Bear
The confusion over whether bears in Alaska are “grizzly” or “brown” stems from regional naming conventions for a single species, Ursus arctos. In Alaska, “grizzly bear” typically refers to the smaller, inland populations found in the Interior and Arctic regions, such as Denali National Park. These bears have a varied diet consisting of roots, berries, small rodents, and occasional moose or caribou calves.
The term “brown bear” is generally reserved for the larger coastal populations inhabiting areas like the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island. Genetically, they are the same species, but coastal bears benefit from a rich, seasonal food source. The high caloric content of spawning Pacific salmon allows these bears to grow larger and achieve higher population densities than their inland counterparts.
Distribution and Population Status
Alaska’s brown bear population is estimated to be around 30,000 individuals, representing the largest density of the species on the continent. Their range covers nearly the entire state, extending across boreal forests, mountain ranges, and open tundra. This widespread distribution means the bears occupy varied habitats, excluding only a few island groups in Southeast and the Aleutian Chain.
Inland grizzly populations are thinly spread across immense territories like the Arctic slopes, where food resources are less concentrated. They must roam widely to find sustenance, including digging for ground squirrels and foraging for plants. Coastal brown bears thrive where salmon runs provide a predictable, energy-rich bounty, leading to high concentrations in places like Katmai National Park and Kodiak Island. Because of this healthy population, the brown bear in Alaska is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, unlike isolated grizzly populations in the Lower 48 states.
Interacting Safely in Bear Habitat
Living or traveling in bear country requires vigilance and adherence to safety measures to minimize human-bear conflict. When hiking, make noise by talking or singing to alert bears to your presence, especially in areas with limited visibility or near running water. Surprising a bear is the most frequent cause of a defensive encounter, so announcing your location is the first step in avoidance.
Properly managing food and scented items is also necessary, as bears are motivated by accessible calories. All food, garbage, and toiletries must be stored in bear-resistant containers or hung from a tree at least 100 yards away from your campsite. In the event of an encounter, standing your ground, talking calmly, and slowly backing away is advisable, rather than running, which can trigger a chase response. Carrying and knowing how to use bear spray is a proven, non-lethal deterrent that should be kept immediately accessible, not stored in a pack.