Brown Bears

 Resource Brief - March 2009

Importance/Issues

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are an integral part of SWAN parks and are specifically mentioned in the enabling legislation of ANIA, KATM, and LACL. These animals play important ecological roles as top predators influencing population dynamics of other species and as means of nutrient transfer from spawning salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) to the terrestrial system . Moreover, ALAG, ANIA, KATM, and LACL support high densities of brown bears; in fact, estimated densities of brown bears along the KATM coastline are the highest reported in North America. Brown bears are drawn to these areas because of the abundant salmon runs, which also draw sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world. The presence of the bears has begun to draw larger numbers of bear viewers during the past two decades. In addition, the Alaska Board of Game is interested in opening more bear hunting opportunities on state and federal land adjacent to these parks. The impacts of high numbers of backcountry anglers, hunters, and recreationalists on bear foraging behavior, habitat use, and survival are largely unknown, particularly at coastal sites, where bears feed heavily on salt marsh vegetation in addition to fish. Further, brown bears in ALAG, ANIA, KATM, and LACL are subject to subsistence hunting and are available for sport hunting in the preserves. 

Current and Future Work Efforts

Monitoring for brown bears for SWAN park units is scheduled for 2010.