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.
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.
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.
Content Author & Alaska Photographer
I run photography workshops at KBBC and craft standout content for blogs and websites across Alaska and beyond. Alaska has a rhythm like nowhere else—its wild spaces, deep solitude, and endless light draw me back again and again, especially to Kodiak Island.