Kodiak Bears are the largest of all the brown bears living in the Alaskan coast and islands, that may weight up to 685 kilogram. Also known as the Big Brown (because of the size) and the Alaskan brown bear, these giants fatten on everything from mountain blueberries to washed-up whale carcasses, but their particular prey is the big Pacific salmon that come up the coastal rivers each summer to spawn.
While many large animals in North America find their way to the endangered species list, the Kodiak brown bear is a success story in the management of wildlife. The Kodiak bear is healthy and productive throughout the archipelago and its population is actually increasing. According to Alaska Department of Fish & Game estimates, there are 3,500 bears on the Kodiak Archipelago. The vast majority of these bears live in the protected lands of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which comprises about two-thirds of the island.
The Kodiak bear is a subspecies of the brown or grizzly bear. Brown bears migrated to the Kodiak Archipelago from mainland Alaska about 12,000 years ago. As the climate warmed at the end of the last ice age, the sea level rose and the bears became an isolated population. They live exclusively on the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago.
Kodiak bears are the largest bears in the world. While they may grow to over 1,000 pounds, the average adult male weighs between 600-900 lbs; females generally weigh about 30 percent less. Although Kodiak bears are often touted as the world’s largest carnivore, they are actually omnivores. Although fish is an important part of their diet, they eat more grass, plants and berries than meat and rarely expend the time or effort necessary to chase and kill animals.
Bears and humans have coexisted on the Kodiak Archipelago for almost 8,000 years. Ancestors of the Alutiiq venerated and respected their island co-habitants and although they were hunted for food, clothing and tools, native hunters left the head in the field as a sign of respect to the spirit of the bears. Kodiak has a long history of bear hunting which continues today. Regulated by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the hunting system is designed to keep bear populations at an appropriate level for the health and welfare of the species. Kodiak is fortunate to have one of the most successful and well regulated hunting systems in the world.
Kodiak bears are the largest bears in the world. While they may grow to over 1,000 pounds, the average adult male weighs between 600-900 lbs; females generally weigh about 30 percent less. Although Kodiak bears are often touted as the world’s largest carnivore, they are actually omnivores. Although fish is an important part of their diet, they eat more grass, plants and berries than meat and rarely expend the time or effort necessary to chase and kill animals.
Bear viewing is one of the most popular activities on Kodiak Island. The best time to see a Kodiak bear is during July, August and September and the best way to do so is in the company of a knowledgeable outfitter. Most local air taxis offer half-day viewing trips. Multi-day bear viewing treks can be booked with remote lodges. Some boat charters and kayak outfitters specialize in bear and wildlife viewing. Special use cabins can be reserved through the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge office and through the Alaska State Parks office in Kodiak. Bears are rarely seen on the road system, so if seeing a Kodiak brown bear is an important component of your Alaska experience, plan ahead, select an outfitter, and book your bear-viewing experience several months in advance.
It is important to always remember that we are guests in the bears' land and that the future of this unique population depends on the respect and thoughtfulness humans demonstrate when visiting bear country. Kodiak bears are shy by nature and any kind of human interaction may cause them stress. In most cases these bears are not a threat, but they do deserve your respect and attention. When traveling in bear country always be cautious and keep alert to the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
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