Bear #307 at Katmai National Park & Preserve / NPS

At Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, the lower Brooks River corridor from Brooks Falls downstream to the elevated bridge and boardwalk will reopen at sunrise on Monday, October 7, 2024.

The area was closed after fishermen were caught providing food for bears, a dangerous situation that leads to bears associating humans with food. 

During the closure park staff have worked to address habituated bear behavior exhibited by bear #307 and will continue these efforts thru sunset on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

One section of the Brooks River downstream from the elevated bridge and boardwalk along with adjacent upland areas on the north side of the river between Brooks River and Brooks Lodge will remain closed due to the presence of a concentrated food source (bear carcass) in the area.

Brooks Camp visitors should report any concerning human-bear interactions by bear #307 or any other bear, to park rangers. Bear #307 is a smaller sized five-year-old boar with a dark colored coat and light tipped ears.

Fishing in the park requires extra care and responsibility to protect people, wildlife, and the experience. Fishing within 50 yards of a bear is prohibited. Always be prepared to cut or break your line should a bear approach you.  Never let a bear acquire a fish from you.  All of us play a role in keeping both bears and people safe. Annual salmon runs at the park support some of the highest densities of brown bears on earth. You can learn more at www.nps.gov/katm/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.

For more information about Katmai visit us at www.nps.gov/katm and follow us on facebook, flickr, youtube, twitter, or instagram.