Hey there! I’m Mike, a Kenai River guide with a real soft spot for the incredible wildlife we have here in Alaska. If you're gearing up for a trip to the Kenai Peninsula, I bet you're as excited about the prospect of seeing our local wildlife. Alaska in one of the few places left on the planet where you can see wild creatures in their natural environment. But remember, enjoying these magnificent creatures means respecting their space – for their safety and yours. This article will provide suggestions and ideas for how to handle your encounters.

Bear paw print on the Kenai Fishers Sport Fishing

Why Safe Distances Matter

In the wilds of Alaska, respecting wildlife means understanding how our presence impacts these animals. I’ve seen my fair share of close encounters, and trust me, getting too close can lead to all sorts of trouble. It's not just about startling a moose or interrupting a bear’s lunch; it's about preserving the natural balance. Once, I saw a bear abandon its catch because of a too-close human encounter. That’s a day's meal gone, and an unnecessary stress for the bear. You may be the lucky person who scared that Bear away when it was not too hungry. But the next guy might encounter that bear after it has been pushed off a few meals, and the bear, hungry and pissed, is going to mess that guy up. This happened on the Russian River in 2020 when A black bear, having been pushed from its food source, moved up river. A person got in the way! The bear then turned around and swatted the guy. This led to a pretty wild helicopter rescue that I was able to film while I was fishing down river. He ended up being okay. However if he didn’t piss his pants from the bear attack, he probably did during the rescue. Clips of the rescue can be seen on my Instagram @fishers_sport_fishing

Helicopter rescue bear attack russian river Fishers — Do you want your fishing trip to end with you strapped to an army medic spinning in the sky?

Recommended Viewing Distances and Practices

So, how close is too close? For bears, a good rule of thumb is to stay at least 50 yards away. For moose, about 50 yards should do it. But these are just guidelines; always use your judgment based on the animal's behavior. And please, don't be that person who stops their car in the middle of the highway, and jumps out for a photo. It's dangerous for you, other travelers, and the animals. Instead, find a safe spot to pull over and enjoy the view from your vehicle. I cannot stress this point enough: WALKING TOWARDS A GIANT WILD ANIMAL IS F***ING STUPID! Notice how none of the guides, or locals are doing it? There is a reason!

Navigating Bear Country Safely

On the Kenai, bears are fairly common during the salmon runs. Remember, this is their home. When you’re fishing, keep your catch and gear close, and be aware of your surroundings. I always recommend people keep their salmon in the river tied up on the stringer. Meaning underwater/in the water while attached to your rope. Minimize scent and keep those fish nice and cold! The bears do come around. Not all the time but enough to keep me on my toes. The most common encounter goes like this; On a quiet morning by the river, a bear strolls right up to our boat. We stay calm, speak softly to let it know we were there. It moves along without an issue. Respect their space, and they'll usually return the favor. See the related blog article on the life cycle of the black bear.

When Wildlife Gets Too Close

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, wildlife might come closer than expected. If a moose wanders into your camp, stay still and quiet, giving it a chance to leave. If a bear comes close, talk to it in a calm voice – let it know you're there, but not a threat. Remember, no sudden movements; keep it cool and collected. If you are dumb enough to fight a bear for the fish he wants to take, please film the encounter so we can show the next moron.

Alaska Brown Bear on the Kenai Looking back Fishers — A vrown bear after getting to close, runs off and looks back

Wildlife Watching Etiquette

Being a responsible wildlife watcher is about more than safety; it's about respect. Keep noise to a minimum – no loud music or shouting. Move slowly and predictably. And when you're taking photos, use a zoom lens to get that close-up shot, rather than getting physically close. Being in Alaska is a chance to slip into the quite of nature. No one wants to hear you or your fam. Listening to the natural sounds in Alaska is way better then hearing Karren yell about whatever bullshit she’s shouting bout! Be cool!

Joining Guided Wildlife Tours

If you’re new to wildlife watching, or just want a more informed experience, consider joining a guided tour. Guides like myself not only know the best spots but also how to enjoy them safely. We can share stories, point out hidden wildlife, and teach you a few tricks of the trade. Alaska has a ton of different eco systems and more than enough guides to show you as many of them as you can handle!

Conclusion

Wildlife watching on the Kenai is an experience like no other. There’s nothing quite like seeing a moose and her calf wandering through the forest, or watching a bear fish in the river. But it's our responsibility to ensure these experiences don't disrupt the natural way of life for these animals. Habituating animals is a death sentence for that animal in Alaska. Keep your distance, respect their space, and remember, we’re just visitors in their home. If you are dumb enough to run into a bears house and act like the boss….again please film so we can illustrate to the next idiot what we mean!

If you’re looking for more tips or want to book a guided tour for your Kenai adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out. There's a whole world of wildlife waiting for you here, and I’d love to help you see it – safely and responsibly! Let’s make your Kenai trip unforgettable, for all the right reasons.

Close, But Not Too Close: Safe Distances for Wildlife Watching in Kenai!