Haines, Alaska, Photo Album

The number of people who come to the Chilkoot River to fish or watch bears has caused many problems, and several bears have been killed. A series of meetings were held between 2011 and 2013 to find solutions to issues ranging from parking to bear encounters. Signs explain how to behave around the bears, and include the story of one sow who lost all 3 of her cubs one year when they were shot as potential threats. The programs to make bear viewing and fishing safer continues - you can see the reports on a special Chilkoot River Fishing Access and Bear Viewing Area page.