Management of McNeil River State Game Sanctuary for Viewing of Brown Bears

January 1, 1994

Management of McNeil River State Game Sanctuary for Viewing of Brown Bears

Since a management plan was developed in 1973, the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary has become internationally famous as a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity. A restricted number of human visitors interact in proximity with wild brown bears (Ursus arctos)that congregate at the McNeil River Falls to fish for chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta). Brown bear habituation is defined and described. In the 21 years since the management plan has been in effect bear use has doubled, no bear has had to be destroyed or removed from the sanctuary, and no human has been injured. This program illustrates that humans and brown bears can co-exist peacefully particularly when humans behave in appropriate ways.

Author(s) Larry D. Aumiller and Colleen A. Matt
Volume 9
Issue
Pages 51-61
Publication Date 1 January 1994
DOI 10.2307/3872684
File Size 687.90 KB
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