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| Contact us at wildwatch.llc@gmail.com |
| Ph/Fax (907) 260-9059er at 39200 Alma Ave. Soldotna, AK 99669 |
| WATCHING WILDLIFE |
| Welcome to WildWatch "Re-discovering the adventure of discovery." |
Site Visit Counter
| Please help the Bear Viewing Association conserve viewable bears and bear-viewing opportunities. Help us put an end to |
| Bear Viewing Association gobearviewing@hotmail.com |
| ALASKA’s PREDATOR HOLOCAUST MASS EXTERMINATION OF BEARS & WOLVES |
| Help us stop the slaughter of viewable bears so trusting that they nap and nurse cubs near viewers |
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| Ph/Fax (907) 260-9059er 39200 Alma Ave. Soldotna, AK 99669 |
Bear Viewing Guides
Finding Bear Viewing Sites
o Bear Viewing Sites Indexed by Region
o Equipment & Supplies for Viewers
* Bear deterrents ( Pepper spray, flares,
electric fences, etc)
electric fences, etc)
o Services for Bear Viewers
* Computing services (expert repairs
to laptops, etc.)
to laptops, etc.)
BEAR VIEWING
| For the finest adventures of your life, join Steve Stringham Animal Communicator, Cinematographer, WildLife Ecologist, and author of Beauty Within the Beast Bear Viewing in Alaska Alaska Magnum Bear Safety Manual When Bears Whisper, Do You Listen? Ghost Grizzlies & Other Rare Bruins The Language of Bears Bear Aggression Evolution of Bears |
| Touch the Magic! Live the Dream! Learn what it's like to be a bear. |
| "Walking as a Bear" and of "Bear Dreaming?" |
| Ask about our SUPER SAVER RATES 907/260-9059 gobearviewing@hotmail.com |
Ever wonder how bears experience life?
Curious to know what they eat -- not just what
their foods are called, but how they feel, smell
or taste?
Want to try catching salmon or digging clams
the ways a bruin does?
Want to learn "the language of bears" and hear
cubs purr as they nurse or protest when they're
famished?
Would you like to share several hours or days of
the lives of some of the world's largest, most
intelligent land carnivores, and their wild
neighbors?
Would you like to also step back in time a few
centuries and sample the ancestral arts of
Curious to know what they eat -- not just what
their foods are called, but how they feel, smell
or taste?
Want to try catching salmon or digging clams
the ways a bruin does?
Want to learn "the language of bears" and hear
cubs purr as they nurse or protest when they're
famished?
Would you like to share several hours or days of
the lives of some of the world's largest, most
intelligent land carnivores, and their wild
neighbors?
Would you like to also step back in time a few
centuries and sample the ancestral arts of
If so, then WildWatch Tours are for you. Led
by pioneering wildlife biologist Dr. Steve
Stringham, our tours provide unique levels of
insight into Nature from the standpoints of
mainstream science, Zen and indigenous
cultures.
by pioneering wildlife biologist Dr. Steve
Stringham, our tours provide unique levels of
insight into Nature from the standpoints of
mainstream science, Zen and indigenous
cultures.
Major Challenges Faced by Viewers
Successful viewing isn't as easy as it might sound. Even viewers who select sites with a
great reputation may go away frustrated and disappointed. Either they don't see any bears; or
the sightings are all too brief. Or the bears aren't doing anything more interesting than
grazing or sleeping. Or, maybe the bears are perfect, but viewers can't get within 300 yards
of the animals, or fog and rain are so heavy that viewers can hardly wee the bears, much less
make great photos.
Don't let that happen to you. And don't let a tour company waive off your complaints
your complaints by telling you something like "Nature isn't predictable. That's why we call it 'wild'.
Really?
True, there is always an element of luck in finding viewable bears. However, the annual
peaks (and pits) at each site are reasonably predictable, plus or minus a couple of weeks.
Any guide familiar with a site should know its peaks. But tour companies need to stay in
operation even during slack periods. So don't expect them to turn down your business during
those pits and recommend that you look for bears in another area, with another tour company.
If you really want to have the time of your life watching bears, don't depend on luck or on
recommendations by friends, much less on glib sales pitches. Depend on preparation and on
information.
Worldwide, there are over 100 popular viewing sites -- most in North America, especially
Alaska. Others are in the contiguous 48 dates, Canada, and the Kamchatka Peninsula of
Siberia. At many of these sites, you can watch bears fish for salmon. But at only a few sites
can you watch them dig for clams or court or mate. Fishing occurs all summer long; but
fishing at any given site may last only a week or few. Arrive at any other time of the season,
and you might be lucky to even glimpse a bear. There are countless sites where you can
happen upon a bear and watch it from hundreds of yards away for short periods. But
there are only a couple of dozen sites where you can reliably find bears and watch them
for hours on end within 100 yards. There are only a handful of even mediocre viewing sites
that can be reached by road, plus a short hike. Most can be reached only after a long hike
and/or by boat or aircraft.
With so many sites to chose from, and so much variation in viewing opportunities between
sites and seasons, how do you pick the site and times that best meet your needs?
A good way to start is by defining your goals, for instance by asking and answering a
standard series of questions (found elsewhere on this website). Then use your answers as
criteria for evaluating the suitability of each site during the weeks you will be viewing.
fill the frame with just the head or nostrils of a bear?
and dry? Could I cope with several hours or even days of rain and overcast, high winds,
or clouds of mosquitos and noseeums?
isn't room enough to set up a tripod? Will I have to face into the sun or cope with strong
glare off water?
Verbalizing what you hope to accomplish, and identifying the constraints under which you
can operate, provides criteria for assessing each bear viewing site. But where can you find
so much information about even a few sites, much less a broad selection of them?
As you define your goals, compare them to the summary charts in BVA's book BEAR
VIEWING IN ALASKA. Those charts contrast viewing sites according to which species of
bears and kinds of bear activity can be seen; means of access to the site (e.g., by road,
boat or aircraft), availability of on-site lodgings, and other factors. Further details on
sites that interest you can be read in narrative descriptions in that book.
BEAR VIEWING IN ALASKA also answers the following questions:
in a wilderness lodge? Is camping allowed and reasonably safe? What equipment and
supplies are needed for camping in Alaska, that are seldom required for camping else-
where? (e.g., electric fence and bear-resistant food containers).
hazards, that you should keep in mind when planning your trip. For example, take a boat if
you want to see whales and photograph whales, seals and other marine mammals and
sea birds.
Bear-Viewing Guides
The Bear Viewing Association advises that you watch grizzly/brown, polar and most black
bears only when you are accompanied by a guide whose expertise -- especially in bear safety --
has been certified by BVA.
Assuming you accept that advice, where could you find a certified guide? Most are self-
employed. They specialize in bears and perhaps other wildlife, not in business, and certainly
not in marketing. So don’t expect an independent guide to catch your attention the way a tour
company does, using a snazzy website or contacts with travel agents. Independent guides
won’t chase you down to get your business. You’ll have to meet them half-way – for instance
through this website.
BVA is developing a master list of guides from across North America -- especially Alaska
-- and from other countries. The initial entries can be read by clicking the “Guide Catalogue”
button at the bottom of this page. Elsewhere on this website, guides are also listed separately
for each viewing site that they visit with clients, or for the gateway community from which
they launch expeditions.
Catalogue of BVA-Certified Bear Viewing Guides
Successful viewing isn't as easy as it might sound. Even viewers who select sites with a
great reputation may go away frustrated and disappointed. Either they don't see any bears; or
the sightings are all too brief. Or the bears aren't doing anything more interesting than
grazing or sleeping. Or, maybe the bears are perfect, but viewers can't get within 300 yards
of the animals, or fog and rain are so heavy that viewers can hardly wee the bears, much less
make great photos.
Don't let that happen to you. And don't let a tour company waive off your complaints
your complaints by telling you something like "Nature isn't predictable. That's why we call it 'wild'.
Really?
True, there is always an element of luck in finding viewable bears. However, the annual
peaks (and pits) at each site are reasonably predictable, plus or minus a couple of weeks.
Any guide familiar with a site should know its peaks. But tour companies need to stay in
operation even during slack periods. So don't expect them to turn down your business during
those pits and recommend that you look for bears in another area, with another tour company.
If you really want to have the time of your life watching bears, don't depend on luck or on
recommendations by friends, much less on glib sales pitches. Depend on preparation and on
information.
Worldwide, there are over 100 popular viewing sites -- most in North America, especially
Alaska. Others are in the contiguous 48 dates, Canada, and the Kamchatka Peninsula of
Siberia. At many of these sites, you can watch bears fish for salmon. But at only a few sites
can you watch them dig for clams or court or mate. Fishing occurs all summer long; but
fishing at any given site may last only a week or few. Arrive at any other time of the season,
and you might be lucky to even glimpse a bear. There are countless sites where you can
happen upon a bear and watch it from hundreds of yards away for short periods. But
there are only a couple of dozen sites where you can reliably find bears and watch them
for hours on end within 100 yards. There are only a handful of even mediocre viewing sites
that can be reached by road, plus a short hike. Most can be reached only after a long hike
and/or by boat or aircraft.
With so many sites to chose from, and so much variation in viewing opportunities between
sites and seasons, how do you pick the site and times that best meet your needs?
A good way to start is by defining your goals, for instance by asking and answering a
standard series of questions (found elsewhere on this website). Then use your answers as
criteria for evaluating the suitability of each site during the weeks you will be viewing.
- What is it about bears that interests me the most? Do I most want to watch them digging
- Do I want to photography them, and if so, what quality of images would I like to have?
fill the frame with just the head or nostrils of a bear?
- Am I seeking a sense of acceptance by bears or even of spiritual kinship with them?
- Am I hungry for the thrill of encountering animals that seem ready to kill someone with a
- Would I be satisfied with viewing along a road or even from an elevating viewing
- Do I want to be alone or part of a small group? Or would I be content being among
- Am I after a 'true wilderness experience" where our group doesn't see any other people?
- Am I prepared for unpredictable extremes of weather? What are the harshest conditions I
and dry? Could I cope with several hours or even days of rain and overcast, high winds,
or clouds of mosquitos and noseeums?
- How can I learn the special challenges of photograhing at each site, and means of meeting
isn't room enough to set up a tripod? Will I have to face into the sun or cope with strong
glare off water?
Verbalizing what you hope to accomplish, and identifying the constraints under which you
can operate, provides criteria for assessing each bear viewing site. But where can you find
so much information about even a few sites, much less a broad selection of them?
As you define your goals, compare them to the summary charts in BVA's book BEAR
VIEWING IN ALASKA. Those charts contrast viewing sites according to which species of
bears and kinds of bear activity can be seen; means of access to the site (e.g., by road,
boat or aircraft), availability of on-site lodgings, and other factors. Further details on
sites that interest you can be read in narrative descriptions in that book.
BEAR VIEWING IN ALASKA also answers the following questions:
- What techniques can a view use used to minimize disturbance of wildlife?
- What techniques can be applied to minimize personal risk?
- Under what circumstances would you need the assistance of a guide? How can you find
- If a boat or plane is required to reach a site, can you use your own boat or plane? Can you
- Which sites require a viewing permit? How is it obtained? How long in advance need you
- If you want to watch bears on more than one day, do you have to travel back and forth
in a wilderness lodge? Is camping allowed and reasonably safe? What equipment and
supplies are needed for camping in Alaska, that are seldom required for camping else-
where? (e.g., electric fence and bear-resistant food containers).
- How does your choice of transportation affect opportunities to watch wildlife on the way?
hazards, that you should keep in mind when planning your trip. For example, take a boat if
you want to see whales and photograph whales, seals and other marine mammals and
sea birds.
Bear-Viewing Guides
The Bear Viewing Association advises that you watch grizzly/brown, polar and most black
bears only when you are accompanied by a guide whose expertise -- especially in bear safety --
has been certified by BVA.
Assuming you accept that advice, where could you find a certified guide? Most are self-
employed. They specialize in bears and perhaps other wildlife, not in business, and certainly
not in marketing. So don’t expect an independent guide to catch your attention the way a tour
company does, using a snazzy website or contacts with travel agents. Independent guides
won’t chase you down to get your business. You’ll have to meet them half-way – for instance
through this website.
BVA is developing a master list of guides from across North America -- especially Alaska
-- and from other countries. The initial entries can be read by clicking the “Guide Catalogue”
button at the bottom of this page. Elsewhere on this website, guides are also listed separately
for each viewing site that they visit with clients, or for the gateway community from which
they launch expeditions.
Catalogue of BVA-Certified Bear Viewing Guides
| This cluster of websites by the Bear Viewing Association is the premier online resource for information on bear viewing. BVA's websites: * Identify, map and describe over 100 bear viewing sites across North America. * Introduce effective techniques for viewing bears at photographic range at minimal risk to yourself or disturbance of bears or other wildlife. * Explain how to prepare for a viewing expedition, including how to select viewing sites, guides and tour companies that best meet your needs and budget. * Identify other sources of important information, including several * Plus hundreds of webpages on bear biology, ecology and evolution. |
At WildWatch our goal is to provide you with
the most memorable adventure travel
experience of your life!
With WildWatch you're guaranteed to see
bears. You may also see wolves, foxes, moose,
caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goats, eagles,
puffins, swans, sea lions, seals, or whales. Best of
all, seeing is just the beginning.
the most memorable adventure travel
experience of your life!
With WildWatch you're guaranteed to see
bears. You may also see wolves, foxes, moose,
caribou, Dall sheep, mountain goats, eagles,
puffins, swans, sea lions, seals, or whales. Best of
all, seeing is just the beginning.
PHOTO CREDITS
* Albino moose: Doreen D., courtesy Connie Harris
* Muskoxen, porcupine, red fox, Denali grizzly, sleeping sea lions, bison &
caribou: Connie Harris
* Stone sheep, swan, beaver, ground squirrel & flower: Dianne Owen
* Loons, bull moose, bull caribou, bull sea lions: John Toppenberg
* Wolf & top central photo: Kent Fredriksson; All others: Steve Stringham
* Albino moose: Doreen D., courtesy Connie Harris
* Muskoxen, porcupine, red fox, Denali grizzly, sleeping sea lions, bison &
caribou: Connie Harris
* Stone sheep, swan, beaver, ground squirrel & flower: Dianne Owen
* Loons, bull moose, bull caribou, bull sea lions: John Toppenberg
* Wolf & top central photo: Kent Fredriksson; All others: Steve Stringham