Stay Safe in Kodiak's Bear Country

Kodiak Bears

• Kodiak bears are large subspecies of brown bears found on Kodiak Island in Alaska.
• They are among the largest bears globally, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

Bear Perception

• Bears have a superior sense of smell, allowing them to detect scents from miles away, which differs significantly from human perception.

Speed of Bears

• Bears can run at speeds reaching 30 miles per hour, making them faster than most humans.

Kodiak Bear Attacks

• In the past 90 years, there have been approximately three recorded fatalities from Kodiak bear attacks, highlighting their general disposition towards avoidance unless provoked.

Encounters with Sows and Cubs

• If you encounter a mother bear (sow) with her cubs, it is crucial to back away slowly and never approach them, as she may perceive you as a threat.

Hiking Safety

• If encountering a bear while hiking, remain calm, avoid direct eye contact, and back away slowly without turning your back to the bear.

Recommended Actions

• One non-recommended action is to run from the bear, as this may trigger a chase response.

Common Bear Attack Type

• The most common type of bear attack is defensive, often initiated by a mother bear protecting her cubs or a bear surprised at close range.

After a Bear Attack

• If a bear attack ceases, playing dead is often advised, as it may lead the bear to perceive you as no longer a threat.

Basic Safety Message

• The fundamental safety message when encountering bears is to remain calm, avoid confrontation, and properly assess the situation without provocation.