Black Bear Encounters and Safety Tips for Visitors

Prince of Wales Island offers one of the best opportunities in Alaska to observe black bears in the wild. The island supports a healthy population, and during late summer salmon runs, bears are a common sight along streams and rivers. Unlike some other parts of Alaska, there are no brown bears on Prince of Wales Island. Visitors here only encounter black bears, which simplifies safety guidelines and reduces confusion about how to react.

For guests at Boardwalk Lodge, seeing a black bear is often one of the highlights of their trip. Many families join guided excursions to dedicated bear-viewing platforms where they can watch bears feed on salmon in their natural environment. Boardwalk Lodge’s Bear Watching Tours provide a safe, structured way to enjoy this remarkable wildlife experience.

Why Black Bears Are Common on Prince of Wales Island

Black bears thrive on Prince of Wales Island because the landscape provides everything they need: dense forest cover, abundant berries, and reliable salmon runs. These food sources support one of the highest densities of black bears in North America. Visitors may spot them along salmon streams in July and August, grazing on vegetation in spring, or foraging for berries later in summer. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, these bears often grow larger here due to the island’s rich food supply.

What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear

Encounters with black bears on Prince of Wales Island usually happen along salmon streams or while hiking in forested areas. Most bears prefer to avoid people, but knowing how to respond gives you confidence and reduces risks.

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, here's what to do:

Stay calm and avoid running. Bears may interpret sudden movement as a chase trigger. Keep your voice steady and your movements controlled.

Make yourself look bigger. Stand tall, raise your arms, or hold a jacket or pack over your head. Speak in a firm tone. Groups should stand close together to appear larger.

Back away slowly if the bear notices you. Do not turn your back. Maintain eye contact without staring aggressively. Step back at a steady pace until the bear has space.

Do not feed bears. Offering food creates dangerous situations for both people and wildlife.

If a black bear attacks, fight back. Use any object available and aim for the bear’s face or muzzle. Playing dead is not advised with black bears. According to the National Park Service, fighting back is the safest approach.

Tips to Reduce Bear Encounters

While black bears are common on Prince of Wales Island, you can reduce the chance of a close encounter by following simple practices:

• Make noise when hiking. Talking, clapping, or singing alerts bears to your presence.

• Travel in groups. According to Alaska State Parks, groups are louder and more visible, and bears typically avoid them.

• Be careful around salmon streams. Bears frequent streams during salmon runs. Watch from a safe distance and give them space.

• Store food properly. Use airtight containers or bear-resistant storage when camping or picnicking.

• Carry bear spray. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, bear spray is highly effective when used correctly.

Bear Watching Tours with Boardwalk Lodge

For guests who want to see bears without the uncertainty of a trail encounter, Boardwalk Lodge offers guided Bear Watching Tours. These tours bring visitors to specially built observation platforms at salmon streams where bears naturally gather to feed.

The platforms provide safe, elevated vantage points. Guests can watch bears fishing or foraging just a short distance away, with expert guides ensuring safety.

Families often worry about how kids should behave in bear country. The same safety rules apply, but with added emphasis on staying close together and following adult direction. Children should stay within sight of adults, avoid running or yelling if a bear appears, and listen immediately to instructions.

Experiencing Black Bears the Right Way

Observing black bears responsibly helps preserve the wilderness experience for future visitors. Guests are encouraged to view bears quietly, stay on platforms or trails, and leave no trace behind. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, this type of behavior reduces negative encounters and supports conservation.

Prince of Wales Island is an exceptional place to see black bears in their natural habitat. With no brown bears present, visitors can focus on learning and practicing black bear safety. Encounters are rare and manageable with calm responses and proper distance.

For those who want to guarantee safe, memorable sightings, Boardwalk Lodge’s Bear Watching Tours provide the best experience. Guests watch black bears from secure platforms while learning about their behavior from experienced guides.