Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Alaska Bear Tour at Anan Observatory

There’s something truly awe-inspiring about witnessing Alaska’s majestic bears in their natural habitat. If you’re considering embarking on an Alaska bear tour, you’re in for a thrilling experience. One of the best places to do this is the Anan Wildlife Observatory. Nestled in Wrangell, Alaska, Anan is famous for its bear sightings, thanks to the abundance of salmon in the Anan Creek, which draws both black and brown bears. To help you get the most out of your Anan Bears tour, I’ve compiled a list of essential tips to make your journey enjoyable and unforgettable.

Planning Ahead: The Key to a Successful Bear TourBook Early to Secure Your Spot

The Alaska bear tour at Anan Wildlife Observatory is an extremely popular attraction—for good reason! The chance to see bears up close in a safe, controlled environment is something that wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world want to experience. Because of this high demand, tours fill up quickly. Book your spot well in advance, ideally several months before your planned trip, to ensure you get the date and time you want.

Choose the Right Time of Year

Bear viewing season at Anan generally runs from mid-July through early August, which coincides with the peak salmon run. This is the ideal time to visit to see the bears feeding in large numbers. Visiting during this window not only maximizes your chances of seeing bears but also gives you a chance to see the spectacular salmon run, which is an incredible natural event.

What to Pack for the Tour

Packing smart is essential for an enjoyable bear-viewing experience. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so layering is the way to go. Make sure you have a waterproof outer layer to protect yourself from rain, and bring a hat and gloves—even in summer, it can get chilly! Comfortable, waterproof shoes are also necessary, as the paths can be muddy. Don’t forget to bring a good camera with a zoom lens, extra batteries, and memory cards. Trust me, you’ll be taking lots of pictures!

Getting to Know Anan ObservatoryUnderstanding the Layout of Anan

Anan Wildlife Observatory is uniquely situated to give you incredible views of black and brown bears hunting salmon in Anan Creek. The viewing platform is at the heart of the observatory, offering a clear and safe perspective of the bears in action. There’s also a photo blind, perfect for getting those close-up shots without disturbing the bears. Familiarizing yourself with the layout will help you maximize your viewing experience.

Respecting the Bears and the Ecosystem

During your tour, one of the most important things to remember is that you are a visitor in the bears’ natural habitat. Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions. Guides are trained to keep both the bears and the visitors safe, and they have a deep understanding of bear behavior. Avoid sudden movements and keep your voice down. The more respectful you are of the bears, the more relaxed they will be, which means better opportunities for observing them in their natural state.

Tips for Observing Bear BehaviorLook for Key Bear Behaviors

Part of what makes the Anan Bears tour so special is witnessing a wide range of bear behaviors up close. From playful cubs learning to fish to powerful adult bears competing for the best fishing spots, there’s always something fascinating to see. Spend time watching the interactions between the bears—you’ll notice a complex social structure, complete with dominance displays, play fighting, and even moments of cooperation.

During my first Anan bear tour, I watched a mother bear patiently teach her cubs how to catch salmon. It was mesmerizing—the cubs would pounce awkwardly into the water, often missing their catch, but their mother remained calm, demonstrating again and again until they got it right. Moments like these are what make the Anan experience so magical.

Stay Patient and Alert

Bear watching is all about patience. Bears are wild animals, and their movements can be unpredictable. Sometimes you may need to wait for a while before the bears come into view, but trust me, it’s worth it. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready—bears can appear suddenly, and you don’t want to miss the shot of a lifetime. It’s also a good idea to listen for the sound of splashing water, which often signals that a bear has just caught a salmon.

Photography Tips for Capturing the BearsUse a Telephoto Lens

A telephoto lens is your best friend on an Alaska bear tour. The bears are often far apart, and a good zoom lens will help you capture detailed shots without disturbing them. If you don’t have a telephoto lens, consider renting one for the trip—it makes a difference.

Focus on the Bears’ Eyes

When photographing wildlife, focusing on the animal’s eyes can bring an image to life. The same rule applies to bears. Capturing intense focus as they fish or that gentle look as they interact with their cubs creates a more personal, compelling photograph. One time, I managed to capture a bear giving what looked like a curious glance toward the viewing platform. It’s still one of my favorite shots, and it’s all because I focused on the eyes.

Be Ready for Action Shots

Bears are constantly on the move—whether fishing, swimming, or interacting with each other. Set your camera to a fast shutter speed to freeze their movements, especially when they’re catching salmon. Burst mode is also helpful for capturing a series of action shots to pick the best one later.

Enjoying the Full Alaska ExperienceLearn About the Local Flora and Fauna

While the bears are the main attraction, there’s so much more to see at Anan Observatory. Take some time to appreciate the lush surroundings, including the dense rainforest and the salmon that make the bears’ presence possible. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, often seen perched on nearby trees, waiting for scraps left behind by the bears. Learning about the ecosystem adds a deeper layer to the experience and helps you appreciate how interconnected everything is.

Bring Binoculars for a Closer Look

While the viewing platform offers a great view of the bears, binoculars can bring you closer to the action. They’re especially useful for spotting bears that might be further downstream or watching other wildlife in the area. Bears aren’t the only animals you’ll see—river otters, mink, and birds call Anan home.

Make Time for a Guided Tour

Going with a knowledgeable guide is key to having the best experience at Anan. Not only do guides help ensure your safety, but they also provide fascinating insights into bear behavior, the salmon lifecycle, and the history of the Anan area. Our guide pointed out a bear trail during a guided tour that I should have noticed. It was incredible to learn about how these trails have been used by generations of bears, creating a tangible connection to the past.

Safety First: Staying Safe During Your Bear TourStick with Your Group

When exploring Anan, always stay with your guide and group. Bears are powerful animals, and it’s crucial always to follow safety protocols. Guides know how to keep everyone safe while ensuring that the bears remain undisturbed, allowing you a more rewarding and safe experience.

Follow the No-Food Policy

Anan Observatory has a strict no-food policy, and for good reason. Bears have an incredible sense of smell, and any food, even a tiny snack, could attract them to areas where visitors are present. Keeping the observatory free of food ensures the bears don’t associate humans with food, which is safer for everyone involved.

Make Your Alaska Bear Tour Unforgettable

Visiting the Anan Wildlife Observatory is an experience like no other. The opportunity to see Alaska’s bears in their natural environment is a privilege. You can make the most of your Anan bears tour with some preparation and patience. Book early, pack appropriately, stay patient, and respect the bears and their habitat. With these tips, you’re all set for an incredible adventure filled with once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Ready to Book Your Alaska Bear Tour?

If you want to embark on an unforgettable Alaska bear tour at Anan Wildlife Observatory, look no further than Muddy Water Adventures. With expert guides and a passion for wildlife, Muddy Water Adventures provides the perfect opportunity to experience the wonder of Alaska’s bears up close safely. Don’t miss your chance to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles.

Muddy Water Adventures offers guided tours that cater to nature enthusiasts of all levels. Learn more and book your bear-viewing adventure today!