FAQs about the Natural History of the Inside Passage

16. What types of bears can you see and what are the best islands or best reserves for viewing them?

Three species of bear are native to Alaska. Brown Bears, also known as Grizzly Bears, can be found from Southeast Alaska to the arctic. Black Bears are found throughout Alaska’s forests and Polar Bears are only found in extreme northern and western Alaska.

Cruisers to Southeast Alaska are most likely to see the Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Although the species is primarily black in color, some individuals can be chocolate, red-brown or cinnamon. Black Bears with a creamy white fur occur on Kermode Island in Northern British Columbia. The Black Bear is generally solitary, expect for a female with cubs, and primarily nocturnal. In Southeast Alaska, Black Bears occupy most islands with the exceptions of Admiralty, Baranof, Chichagof, and Kruzof. The best opportunity for viewing Black Bears from your vessel is on forested island beaches at sunset.

The Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos) is much larger than the Black Bear, ranging from 6 to 8 feet in length and weighing between 500 and 900 pounds. Brown Bear have a distinctive hump between their front shoulders. Brown Bears occur throughout Southeast Alaska except on the islands south of Frederick Sound. They are abundant on islands with easily available food sources like Admiralty, Baranof, Chichagof, and Kruzof. The Brown Bear is most readily observed on Admiralty Island where the population density is as high as one bear per square mile. The Pack Creek viewing area in Admiralty Island National Monument is a popular location to view Brown Bears but requires a permit and fee paid in advance of your visit.