Observe the variety of fishing techniques among the bears, on the creek bank or wading out into the water where the salmon are in the highest concentrations. You can see them in the cave waiting for fish to swim by. Watch as they jockey for position at their favorite spots.
Bears begin arriving at Anan in June, but peak activity starts in July, lasting through August. Bears have also been seen earlier in the spring and as late as October. Bald eagles, ravens, otters, and crows can also be seen sharing the feast. There have been a few wolf sightings over the years as well.
These cameras are made possible by an agreement with Tongass National Forest.
About the area
Located in Alaska, The Anan Wildlife Observatory is 30 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell. Anan Creek has one of the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska, which supports the high density of black and brown bears. The Tongass is the nation’s largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage and offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of “wild” Alaska. Learn more at on their website.
About Anan Wildlife Observatory
Anan Wildlife Observatory in the Tongass National Forest hosts one of the largest pink salmon runs in Southeast Alaska. Anan is a world class bear viewing site with the distinction of being one of the few places in the world where both black and brown bears fish in close proximity. It was established on the lands of the traditional summer fish camps of the Stikine Tlingit and was unique because the large number of salmon made it possible to have several clans sharing one fish camp. The Forest Service has maintained a trail there as part of the Anan Creek Public Service Recreation Site, which included two wildlife observation shelters, starting as early as 1942. The abundance of salmon attracts large concentrations of black bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, and a number of brown bears. All this activity makes for exciting viewing.
Learn More About Explore
EXPLORE is a multimedia organization that documents leaders around the world who have devoted their lives to extraordinary causes. Both educational and inspirational, explore creates a portal into the soul of humanity by championing the selfless acts of others. Learn more at www.explore.org