Five Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear Facts You Should KNow

Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears are Solitary Animals

I bet you didn't know that Alaska Peninsula brown bears are solitary animals! They do not live in herds or packs, and the social interaction between individual bears is limited. Bears are mostly solitary creatures, coming together primarily during the mating season or when gathering around food sources like salmon-filled rivers.

Because they do not interact or communicate with each other, these animals have limited vocalizations and lack complex body language. In fact, unlike many species, bears do not use their ears or tail (which is just a short stump) to convey messages to other bears!

Before you pack your bags for a bear viewing trip, read on for more facts about these magnificent creatures!

Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears Have Times of Days they are active

These bears typically search for food during the early morning and early evening hours, although they can be active throughout the day. During the day, they can often be found digging small pits in the ground in which to rest. These "beds" are generally covered by dense foliage or hidden carefully under natural rock formations so that the bears can rest undisturbed. The bears seek out these secluded spots to ensure their safety and minimize disruptions during their much-needed rest.

Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears are one of the larger bear species

Alaska Peninsula brown bears, along with polar bears, are the largest of the bear species. Their size, however, varies according to their available food supply. A bear's weight can vary by season, and bears can double their weight during the fall when they are foraging and preparing for winter hibernation. In the spring, bears are typically much less heavy. During this time, they begin to search for food to replenish their fat stores after hibernation. An adult male bear weighs between 300 to 900 pounds, and females weigh between 205 and 455 pounds.

Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears and black bears can be hard to tell apart

Both brown and black bears' fur vary in shade, making it difficult to differentiate the two species on fur color alone. A black bear's fur ranges from dark brown to cinnamon-tinged red to blueish-gray and white. A brown bear's fur tends to occur in hues of brown and blond. However, one distinguishing feature between brown and black bears is their shoulder hump size, which is larger in brown bears and less pronounced in black bears.

Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears Have Incredible sense of smell

Did you know that brown bears possess an amazing sense of smell? They can detect a particular scent from miles away, especially if they are downwind. Although their sense of smell is supercharged, a bear's ability to see and hear is just about the same as a human's. Bears stand on their hind paws to get a better view of the land, and sometimes to get a better sense of where a smell is coming from! Grizzlies also stand on their hind paws to sniff out any hints of potential danger or prey lurking nearby.

When  is the best time to go Bear Viewing in Alaska

You might be wondering when the best time to go bear viewing is in Alaska so that you can see the Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear up close and in person! If you want to know when to plan Alaska bear adventures, read on for more information.

Brown bears are the most active during the summer months, from June to August. During these months, bears hunt and play - and, if you are lucky, you can watch them catch salmon in one of Alaska's many rivers. Though you can find bears almost everywhere in Alaska, the best spots to go bear viewing in Alaska are at Kenai National Park, Brooks River Falls, or Wolverine Creek.

If you'd like to visit Alaska to see bears earlier in the year, consider that the bears emerge from their winter hibernation in March, with quite an appetite! In June, you would be bear viewing in Alaska at peak bear season. As the salmon-spawning season gets underway, you can see all types of bears at salmon-spawning hot spots. Once July arrives, the bears are in their element and can be seen all along the Katmai coast, fishing for razor clams and mating. July is also the best month to go bear viewing in Alaska at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. '

As the summer season winds down and food becomes scarce, bears start to retreat to their dens to hibernate. October and November are not traditionally good months to see bears in Alaska, and the magnificent creatures won't appear again until spring.

What To Pack For Alaska Bear Adventures

One of the most frequently asked questions for people going on Alaska bear adventures is: what do I pack? The answer is simple - when you're packing for your Alaska vacation, whether the trip is to see the Northern Lights or go bear viewing in Alaska, it's best to pack in layers. The weather in Alaska can vary dramatically by both region and season. Optimal layering allows you to easily adjust to the ever-changing weather conditions and fully enjoy your outdoor activities in Alaska.

Summer in Alaska runs from May through September. During this time, the days are long with almost 24 hours of daylight due to the phenomenon of the midnight sun. May is generally the driest month across the state. By July, daytime temperatures in the interior of the state average around 70 degrees. However, coastal areas and higher elevations rarely see temperatures above 65 degrees.

No matter what area of Alaska you visit in the summer, plan for mosquitos. Packing a good mosquito repellant or mosquito repelling wristbands is a must. It's a good idea to bring a light rain jacket too because you can wear it on its own or use it as a layer on chillier days. A good pair of lightweight, zip-off hiking pants is a must, along with good hiking shoes, especially if your trip to Alaska includes bear-viewing adventures.

By August, temperatures across the state start cooling. Winter in Alaska runs from October through March, with temperatures varying from region to region. The coast is usually more temperate, rarely seeing temperatures fall below 20 degrees. But winter in the Arctic region is completely different! You may see snow as early as October, and temperatures often fall to 20 below zero during the winter months.

Packing for an Alaska winter trip or winter bear viewing in Alaska means you should include a waterproof winter jacket, along with a hat, gloves, scarf, and wool socks! Make sure you pack plenty of layers, too, so you can choose what you wear each day based on temperature or activity, like Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear Viewing and Alaska Bear Adventures. And don't forget your thermal underwear - you're going to need them!