As 2025 draws to a close, the snow is settling on the peaks of Kodiak Island, and our magnificent bears have tucked themselves away for their long winter rest. It has been an incredible year at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center, filled with breathtaking encounters, new discoveries, and the timeless rhythm of nature.
Throughout the year, we’ve shared stories from the field to help you understand these giants, prepare for your journey, and connect with the wild heart of Alaska. Whether you are planning a trip for 2026 or just love learning about wildlife, here is a look back at our most popular and essential blog posts from 2025.
Understanding the Giants: Bear Behavior & Biology
This year, we dove deep into what makes the Kodiak brown bear unique. These articles were favorites for those who want to move beyond the myths and understand the true nature of these animals.
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A Guide to Decoding the Silent Language of Kodiak’s Giants (Nov 24) Bears don’t just roar; they communicate with subtle glances, ear positions, and body posture. This guide is essential reading for anyone wanting to truly understand what they are seeing in the field.
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The Mighty Kodiak Bear: Exploring the Weight and Power (Nov 12) Just how big are they? We break down the sheer physical magnitude of the Kodiak bear and how they compare to their inland grizzly cousins.
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The Great Separation: A Young Bear’s Journey (Oct 15) One of our most touching stories of the year, detailing the critical moment a subadult bear leaves its mother to face the world alone.
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Why Kodiak Bears Are Different To Other Bears (July 21) Isolation has created a unique subspecies here. Learn why the Kodiak bear is genetically and physically distinct from bears on the mainland.
Planning Your Expedition: Travel & Gear
A trip to Kodiak is the adventure of a lifetime, but it requires preparation. These practical guides helped hundreds of guests arrive ready for the experience.
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Essential Camera Gear for Bear Viewing (Nov 5) Whether you are a pro or a hobbyist, this post details exactly what lenses and bodies we recommend for capturing that perfect shot without disturbing the wildlife.
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Mastering the Art of Floatplane Packing (July 12) Small planes mean strict weight limits. We shared our top tips for packing smart so you can bring what you need without leaving the essentials behind.
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Your Guide to Reaching Kodiak by Air & Boat (July 6 & 8) Getting here is half the adventure. We broke down the logistics of navigating the ferry system and Alaska Airlines flights to ensure your arrival is seamless.
Life at the Lodge & Conservation
We aren’t just a lodge; we are stewards of this land. These posts gave readers a peek behind the curtain at our operations and our mission.
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Guardians of the Island: Conserving the Kodiak Bear (Aug 9) A look at the conservation efforts that ensure these bears continue to thrive for generations to come.
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Life of a Guide at KBBC (Aug 2) Ever wondered what it takes to guide in bear country? Our team shared their experiences, training, and passion for the job.
Debunking Myths
Finally, we spent time correcting common misconceptions about our favorite animals.
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Beyond the Roar: 5 Common Myths Debunked (June 27) From their diet to their temperament, we set the record straight on what Kodiak bears are really like (spoiler: they aren’t movie monsters!).
Thank you for being part of our journey in 2025. We can’t wait to welcome you to the lodge next year. Until then, browse the archives, dream of the wild, and have a wonderful New Year!
— The Kodiak Brown Bear Center Team
Content Author & Alaska Photographer
I lead photography workshops at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center and create engaging, high-quality content for blogs and websites across Alaska and beyond. My deep passion for wildlife—especially Kodiak bears—continually inspires my work and fuels my storytelling.