A majestic brown bear awaits his spectators outside of Angoon, Alaska.Known for fostering North America’s highest concentration of brown bears, with an estimated 1,600 specimens, Admiralty Island, Alaska, is easily one of the best places in the world for bear viewing. These coastal omnivores love eating salmon and often put on a show with their predatory prowess. As such, Favorite Bay Lodge has become a preferred destination for nature lovers and bear enthusiasts alike.

An Admiralty Island, Alaska, Bear Viewing Primer

With roughly three brown bears for every human, it’s not surprising that the area around Angoon, Alaska, has become such a bear viewing hot spot. The male brown bear can weigh over 1,000 pounds, making them one of the Last Frontier’s largest predators. Several places around the island lend themselves to witnessing these majestic beasts, and we’re here to help you maximize your efforts. But first, we’ll provide a few prerequisites.

  • Always keep your eyes peeled for rogue bears that stumble in from the dense wilderness.
  • Never feed the bears! It’s illegal and prevents them from living a natural lifestyle.
  • Do not, under any circumstance, follow a bear.
  • If you encounter a bear, the best thing is to make loud noises by singing or clapping.
  • Never try to outrun a bear. They are much faster than you, and running can trigger a predatory response.

The Best Time to View Bears on Admiralty Island

The peak season for bear viewing is from early July to late August. Still, even if you arrive outside of that time frame, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to see them. Your best bet is to go with a guide as they will not only provide you with an educational experience but also coordinate your adventure.

Pack Your Binoculars

While your first thought may be to bring a high-powered scope, a pair of binoculars is much more effective, thanks to their compact size. Even consumer-level binoculars will allow users to zoom in from an impressive distance and many expert wildlife observers opt for an “8×32” set. Remember that the first number is the magnification power, and the second refers to the lens diameter.

Be Patient and Quiet

Wild animals can be very skittish, and bears are no exception! These are relatively solitary animals that are not accustomed to sharing their homes, so being quiet is crucial. Also, becoming familiar with their habits is vital to Alaska bear viewing, giving you a better understanding of how they behave, leading to a more enjoyable experience. Knowing how bears behave will reinforce what you know about moving in silence.

An All-Inclusive Alaska Resort Vacation at Favorite Bay Lodge

Photo of an Admiralty Island Sunset after a Full Day of Salmon Fishing in AlaskaNow that you have more insight into Alaska bear viewing, it’s time to make your travel plans! With several excellent fishing and lodging packages, Favorite Bay is the perfect place for your adventure to begin. Check out our latest rates and specials to start planning your trip today! Featuring world-class fishing, gourmet cuisine, and relaxing guest-quarters, it won’t take long to find out why Favorite Bay Lodge is Admiralty Islands’ premier Alaska resort. For more information or to make reservations, please contact us online or call 866-452-9383.