Three visitors to Katmai National Park could face charges after approaching brown bears feeding on salmon Thursday evening.
Two Alaska residents and an out-of-state visitor entered a closed area below Brooks Falls and approached multiple bears.
Viewers watching the park’s live bear cam saw a man wade into the water below the falls and take a selfie in front of a group of grizzlies lunging for salmon.
Multiple bear cam viewers and visitors expressed concern about the violation to park rangers.
Park rangers then contacted the three visitors, and charges are currently pending.
It’s illegal in Katmai National Park and Preserve to come within 50 yards of a bear while it’s using a “concentrated food source,” like migrating or spawning salmon.
The park service closes the area around Brooks Falls from June 15 to Aug. 15 to reduce negative bear-human interactions and to allow bears stocking up on salmon ahead of winter hibernation to eat in peace.
Park spokeswoman Anela Ramos said in an email that the incident at the falls is an isolated one.
All visitors to Brooks Camp are required to attend a bear orientation where they learn distance regulations, what to do in a close encounter and how to manage food.
“Most people are good stewards of the park and the bears, trying their best to follow the rules,” Ramos said.
However, bear encounters do happen.
She said sometimes photographers and anglers do get too close to bears on other, less managed parts of the river.
“It’s challenging not to get close when there is limited exit and mobility when wading a rushing river,” Ramos said. “Rangers patrol the river to prevent these encounters, but the rangers can’t be everywhere.”
Visitors can view bears at a safe distance from elevated platforms at Brooks Camp.
Once charges are finalized, the park service will release details about the visitors’ identities.
No visitors or bears were injured.
