Alaska, often referred to as the Last Frontier, is a land renowned for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. Among its many attractions, the chance to see a bear in its natural habitat stands out as a highlight for many visitors. The elusive nature of these magnificent animals makes them a coveted sighting on any wildlife excursion. My recent adventure in Neet’s Bay proved to be a remarkable opportunity to encounter these creatures up close, all while immersing myself in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness.
My journey began at the Ward’s Cove cruise pier, where the luxurious Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer docked. Excitement buzzed among fellow travelers as we climbed aboard a bus for a brief ride to meet our jet boat operated by Adventure Ketchikan Tours. This company is renowned for its adventurous excursions, and they promised an unforgettable journey into the heart of bear territory. The boat swiftly cut through the waters for about an hour, navigating through scenic vistas of the misty bay and rocky coastlines, all the while fueling our anticipation for the wildlife encounter ahead.
Our destination, Neet’s Bay, is renowned for its rich ecosystem, where salmon embark on their upstream journey to spawn. This is key to understanding the likelihood of encountering bears, as their primary food source is readily available during this time of year. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, we were treated to informative insights about Alaskan history, the rich marine life in the region, and the unique U.S. Navy facility nearby. Listening to tales of the Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility, which monitors submarine noise, provided an unexpected layer of intrigue to our journey. This military presence underscored the unique blend of history and nature that characterizes Alaska.
As we disembarked at the hatchery dock, we followed a muddy path that led us to the stream where the bears were likely to be found. Surrounding me were lush trees marked by the claws of climbing bears and hidden dens that served as their shelters. This introduction to their habitat heightened my senses, making every rustle in the trees an exciting possibility of bear sightings.
To my pleasant surprise, we were greeted by the sight of two majestic black bears already fishing in the stream. At first glance, they appeared deceptively calm, but as I watched closely, their immense power and agility became evident. The excitement among our group was palpable. Observing these creatures up close was nothing short of magical. At a safe distance of about 20 yards from the water’s edge, we watched as one bear caught a salmon, demonstrating the primal dance between predator and prey.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather — a persistent drizzle — spirits remained high. From my previous trip where I had stood in vain for over 45 minutes in hopes of catching a glimpse of a bear, I appreciated every moment of these encounters. Seeing the bears feast on salmon not only fulfilled my wildlife wish list but also provided insight into their feeding habits, particularly during this season when they were voraciously preparing for hibernation.
The Neet’s Bay Hatchery plays a crucial role in sustaining the salmon population, ensuring that future generations of bears have ample food sources. As we observed the bears, the guide shared how hatchery workers diligently collect salmon eggs and nurture them to maturity. This conservation effort is vital for maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem, which benefits not just the bears but countless other species that rely on the salmon run for survival.
Our return trip to Ketchikan not only marked the end of our bear-watching adventure but also included sightings of Steller sea lions basking on rocks. These playful creatures added another layer of excitement to our expedition. Though I wished for the chance to see whales — a staple of Alaskan wildlife experiences — I left the adventure feeling fulfilled and grateful for the unique experiences encountered throughout the excursion.
As I reflected on the day’s events, I recognized that the true allure of Alaska lies in its untamed wilderness and the majesty of its wildlife. This bear-watching journey at Neet’s Bay served as a reminder of the beauty in nature’s chaos and the delicate thread of life that connects all species in the ecosystem. After a long day of exploration and excitement, nothing felt better than returning to the comfort of dry clothes and a warm drink, knowing I had witnessed firsthand the wonders of Alaska’s black bears.