Arriving in the wilderness of Alaska can be an experience of a lifetime. There are multiple activities to participate in. While the avid anglers head straight to the fishing lodge, the bird watchers are pleased to spend days of solitude with only binoculars for company. Families that have kids in tow cannot be more pleased when it is time to go on one of Alaska bear viewing trips.
The lumbering creatures may seem to be lay, but that is a misrepresentation. You need to be particularly careful around them and not get too close to one. You may find the cubs to resemble teddy bears but remember that mom bear would be keeping a close eye on you.
Sure, you may choose to observe the bear population from an airplane, but the fun gets doubled when you decide to go on a Chinitna bay bear viewing trip by boat. Wading through the shallow water and finding a group of bears staring at you is a thrill you cannot equal.
It is significant to research the facts and be well aware of the nature of Alaskan bears before you reach the northernmost state of America. Be guided by experienced professionals and opt for the best bear-viewing tours in Alaska from May to September.
It is important to remember the rules to ensure your safety when you are in bear country. Sweet and simple, gigantic creatures can become deadly when provoked by strangers. It thus makes sense to listen to cautious advice meted out by the guide who is leading the tour. Some of the things that become essential after spotting bears include the following:-
- It is important to understand that bears tend to feel threatened when they find humans approaching them or too close to their space. It is especially important for people who go for grizzly bears viewing Alaskain a group and prefer to move en mass.
- Always give a wide berth to female bears near their cubs. The females are threatened by people and will not hesitate to respond aggressively should they be perceived as a threat. Undoubtedly, the cubs are sweet and cuddly looking but trying to pet them can be life-threatening as well.
- Yes! You like to have a memento of the beautiful Alaskan brown bear tours. Photograph to your heart’s content but be sure to use a quality zoom lens to capture the creatures in action. Getting close to click photos is a strict no-no
- Do not be over-enthusiastic either. While it is okay to note the trails frequented by brown bears. Do not set up a lone camp on the path or too close to it. You may get a visitor in the form of a gigantic grizzly, and would not be too pleasant an experience.
- Last but not the least, it would be foolhardy to throw scraps of meat or fish at the bears for a hungry bear is by far the most dangerous creature.
Also read 6 Tips for Salmon Fishing in Alaska