Wrangell Bearfest

WRANGELL – The annual WRANGELL BEARFEST will be held to celebrate bears of Alaska and features an annual scientific symposium, family events, photography and music workshops, a marathon, and many other events. This year’s SYMPOSIUM TOPIC IS BEARS and CLIMATE CHANGE. The U.S. Forest Service, Wrangell Ranger District employees will lead discussions on management of the Anan Wildlife Observatory, and Bobbie Jo Skibo from the Chugach National Forest will share her experiences of managing bear-human interactions on the Kenai Peninsula. Wrangell District employees also provide programs for children and families during the festival, giving participants a chance to “Read with a Ranger and Smokey,” make bear masks, and learn how to set up camp in bear country. Wrangell is 30 miles northwest of the Anan Wildlife Observatory, one of Alaska’s premiere bear viewing areas. Anan Creek has one of the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska, which supports the high density of black and brown bears that gather there. From July 5 through Aug. 25, an individual pass is required to visit the Wildlife Observatory. For a complete schedule and more information, visit http://www.alaskabearfest.org/Alaska_BearFest/Home.html. For more information about Forest Service participation, contact Corree Seward Delabrue, Wrangell Ranger District interpreter at 907-874-7550 or csdelabrue@fs.fed.us