do Kodiak bears hibernate
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The Kodiak Bear’s Winter Snooze: To Hibernate or Not to Hibernate?

A Kodiak brown bear sits with two cubs in green foliage. On the left, orange text reads Kodiak Brown Bear Center Lodge above a bear paw print logo.

Here at the Kodiak Bear Center, we get a lot of questions about our furry, ten-foot-tall neighbors.

One of the most common is: do Kodiak bears hibernate? The answer is a bit of a “yes, but…” and it’s one of the things that makes these bears so fascinating!

Most of our Kodiak brown bears do indeed take a long winter’s nap. Around late October, you’ll find them starting to retreat to their dens, which they’ve dug into the sides of hills or mountains. First to turn in are the pregnant females, who need a safe, quiet place to give birth to their cubs in the heart of winter. The males are the last to call it a season, and the first to emerge in the spring, usually around April.

Plot Twist

But here’s the twist: not all Kodiak bears hibernate! Due to the surprisingly temperate climate of the Kodiak Archipelago, and the late salmon runs, some bears—mostly tough old males—will stay active all winter.

Imagine a bear with a bad case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out on snacks)! These “ice bears,” as they’re sometimes called, are a testament to the Kodiak bear’s adaptability.

do kodiak bears hibernate picture of bear walking by river bank
Dan M Lee

How is this different from other bears?

Well, while black bears are committed hibernators, and grizzly bears (the Kodiak’s smaller mainland cousins) also den up for the winter, our Kodiak bears play by their own rules.

Polar bears, on the other hand, have a different strategy altogether. Only pregnant polar bears will den. The rest are out and about, toughing out the harsh Arctic winter.

From Encounter to Familiarity

The unique winter habits of the Kodiak bear make them a truly special part of the Alaskan wilderness. It’s a reminder that nature is always full of surprises.

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Discover how the Kodiak Bear Center and its partners work to conserve the iconic Kodiak bear through research, habitat protection, education, and sustainable tourism.
CategoriesKBBC Lodge by

Guardians of the Island: How We Work to Conserve the Kodiak Bear

How We Work to Conserve the Kodiak Bear

The Kodiak bear is a global icon of wildness and power, a symbol of the untamed spirit of Alaska. For us at the Kodiak Bear Center, our name carries with it a profound responsibility: to not only celebrate this magnificent animal but to serve as dedicated guardians of its future. The long-term health of the Kodiak bear population is the result of a deliberate, science-based, and cooperative conservation effort.

We want to share how we, along with our vital partners, work to ensure these titans of the Emerald Isle continue to thrive.

A Partnership for Protection

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that no single entity conserves the Kodiak bear alone. Our work is part of a collaborative stewardship effort. We work closely with the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which protects two-thirds of the archipelago, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the state agency responsible for managing the bear population. This partnership is the bedrock of Kodiak bear conservation, ensuring that decisions are guided by shared data, rigorous science, and a mutual commitment to the bear’s well-being.

Sow Female Bear With Young
Dan M Lee

Research and Monitoring: The Foundation of Conservation

Effective conservation begins with deep understanding. A key part of our mission is supporting the ongoing research that allows managers to make informed decisions. Biologists from ADF&G conduct regular aerial surveys to estimate population density and track trends across the archipelago. They also perform health assessments and biological studies that provide invaluable data on everything from diet and genetics to survival rates of cubs and adults.

This research helps us answer critical questions: How is the bear population responding to changes in salmon runs? What are the long-term effects of climate shifts on their habitat and food sources? By understanding the challenges bears face, we can better advocate for policies and practices that protect them.

Habitat Protection: Preserving the Home of the Bear

A bear is only as healthy as its habitat. The Kodiak Archipelago is a pristine wilderness, and keeping it that way is paramount.

Our focus is on promoting minimal-impact human activity and advocating for the protection of critical resources. This means safeguarding the salmon-spawning rivers that are the lifeblood of the ecosystem. It involves championing the vast tracts of Sitka spruce forests and the berry-rich hillsides where bears forage. By ensuring the core of their habitat remains wild and undeveloped, we give bears the space and resources they need to flourish without significant human conflict.

fallon parker kbbc guide bears
Fallon Parker

Education and Sustainable Tourism

This is where you, our visitors, become part of the conservation story. We believe that a well-informed public is one of the most powerful forces for conservation. Through our guided experiences and educational outreach, we teach the principles of “Bear Aware” safety and ethical wildlife viewing. We aim to transform visitors from passive observers into active stewards of the environment.

Our operational philosophy is built around sustainable tourism. We ensure our viewing activities do not disturb the bears’ natural behaviors. By demonstrating that a healthy bear population can be a cornerstone of a thriving local economy, we create a powerful incentive for continued conservation.

When you visit us, you are not only witnessing these animals in their natural habitat; you are contributing to the very framework that protects them.

A Shared Future

The conservation of the Kodiak bear is a story of foresight and commitment. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when government agencies, local communities, and dedicated organizations work together. As guardians of this incredible resource, our promise is to continue this legacy of stewardship, to base our actions on sound science, and to inspire a global community to care about the future of the Kodiak brown bear.

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fallon parker kbbc guide life of a remote guide
CategoriesKBBC Lodge by

Life of a Guide at KBBC

a season with our guide at kbbc

Here at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center, we provide a unique window into the world of the Kodiak Brown Bear on the remote shores, inlets around Karluk Lake. Our philosophy is rooted in respect, ensuring that every encounter is a safe and minimally invasive experience for both our guests and the bears themselves.

Central to this mission are our dedicated guides. Their deep understanding of bear behavior and commitment to conservation allows for moments of profound connection. To truly convey the power of these experiences, we believe it’s best to hear directly from them.

The following piece is a personal reflection from one of our seasoned guides Fallon Parker. It chronicles her journey from her first youthful, heart-pounding bear encounter to the deep, mutual trust she has since cultivated with the bears of Karluk Lake. Her story is a testament to the remarkable relationships that can form when these powerful animals are met with patience and understanding, and it perfectly captures the spirit of what we do. We are proud to share her perspective.

Bears First

Being born and raised in Montana, I had experience being around bears, but nothing that prepared me for my first encounter with the infamous Kodiak Brown bear. I was 18 years old, had just finished high school and began working as a guide on a Blacktail deer hunt for a client. I was instructed to be out front of the group and warned to keep my eye out for bear. Proceeding on high alert, I kept my eye out for bear and the deer we were pursuing. As I ventured through the brambles (Alders), I became aware of a very distinct smell. A musky, potent stink, Bear. I stopped dead in my tracks.

With my head on a swivel, I searched for any sign of movement or sound, knowing full well these Bruins are capable of moving through brush undetected. I finally caught sight of the biggest bear I had ever laid eyes on and it was staring right back at me. My heart sank, but I realized we were both out there for the same reason.

We were in his world so I backed off and allowed him to proceed along his path. He granted us the same courtesy, never to be seen again.

Four adults stand in a grassy field near a lake, smiling at the camera. Green hills are in the background, and one person holds binoculars. The atmosphere appears relaxed and outdoorsy.
Fallon Parker

A Lesson in Trust

Pursuing the life of an outdoorsman, I have had many more Kodiak Brown bear encounters. My favorite will always be when I started as a guide at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center (KBBC) on Karluck Lake.

It was the summer of 2021, my first time guiding for KBBC. I remember walking out on the trail, asking myself “what am I doing? Purposely walking up to a bear?” This was a whole new world for me as we approached my first bear on the river. I was fighting my natural response of shouting and getting the bear to move away. I looked upon this beautiful mama bear and her second year cubs and realized she had no stress or concern for us. This magnificent animal trusted us and knew we weren’t there to harm her, only to capture her beauty and motherhood.

From Encounter to Familiarity

Since that first exhilarating encounter with the Kodiak Brown bear, I have realized as I start my fourth season at the center, that I have fallen in love with both the encounters and the bears themselves. I have become familiar with each bear‘s personality and face. I can recognize each bear on site. I’m so thankful that these bear encounters have offered me the opportunity to learn about these beautiful creatures through observation. For example, each animal has their own style of fishing. A younger bear may exert themselves running after the fish, but the more mature bears wait patiently for the fish to come to them.

The ultimate expression of trust came when a mother bear, deeming us no threat, walked off to fish and left her young cubs of the year in our care. We became unwitting babysitters, watching in awe as her cubs tumbled and played in the grass nearby, completely at ease with our presence. It was a profound and unforgettable moment of acceptance.

fallon parker kbbc guide bears
Fallon Parker

An Invitation to Witness Wonder

I have come to realize how fortunate an opportunity I have been given here at KBBC, to experience these once in a lifetime encounters with these magnificent animals. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center has offered all of us the chance to experience these infamous creatures in their natural habitat. These animals allow us an opportunity to become a part of their everyday life. Survival. Resilience. Strength. Come see for yourself.

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Camp Island Alaska
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Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge: A journey worth taking

Visiting the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge in Alaska

To reach the lodge, you’ll first need to make your way to Kodiak. Most visitors arrive on Alaska Airlines, which offers three flights per day. Visit www.alaskaairlines.com for details.

Other travel options include helicopters, private jets, float planes from Anchorage, or boats. These alternatives can be more expensive, but we’re happy to provide recommendations if needed.

We strongly recommend arriving in Kodiak a day early to account for potential weather delays—we have no control over Mother Nature, though it’s high on the list when we get a magic wand! Plus, Kodiak is a fun town to explore.

Check out Discover Kodiak for ideas. For accommodations, we recommend the Best Western or Compass Suites, both conveniently located downtown near shops and restaurants.

The Adventure to Karluk Lake

From Kodiak, you’ll take a 45-minute float plane ride to Karluk Lake, an experience in itself. Karluk Lake, named after the nearby village of Karluk, connects to the Karluk River, which flows 22 miles to the ocean.

If the weather is clear, the flight offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, wildlife like bears and goats, and even whales as you cross over the ocean. The planes are equipped with headsets for chatting with the pilot and other passengers. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions about an hour before the flight.

As you approach Karluk Lake, Camp Island is unmistakable—an island on the lake with a lodge on it.

Your plane will land on the lake, and our team will greet you at the dock. Our boat crew will take care of your luggage while you soak in the stunning surroundings.

Welcome to the Lodge

As you arrive, you’ll likely spot the previous group preparing to leave. They’ll be the ones with heavy bags and heavier hearts—they’re hard to miss! Many guests become fast friends and return year after year, often bringing family to share the experience.

Once ashore, you’ll be welcomed into the Bear Cave (our common room) with a hot towel and a light meal to refresh you after your journey. While you settle in, you’ll receive your official KBBC hat—essential for keeping bug nets out of your face!

Our manager will then guide you through a safety briefing, the schedule, and all the details about bear viewing. After gearing up, the adventure truly begins!

Get ready to have some fun, savor amazing food, and completely unplug from the rest of the world. It’s surprisingly easy to do here.

Karluk Lake and the lodge have a unique way of leaving a lasting impression. For me, it’s deeply personal—my people have called this place home for thousands of years. But even our guests often describe a profound spiritual connection they feel, a sense of peace they didn’t realize they needed but are so grateful to have found.

Whether it’s the flight, the pristine wilderness, or the warm hospitality at the lodge, this journey is an unforgettable start to your time at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center. Let the memories begin!

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