This hidden sanctuary is the largest bear rescue in Alaska! Located in the beautiful town of Sitka, Alaska, The Fortress of the Bear is the only one in Alaska. It is an amazing opportunity to see many of the different types of bears you can find in Alaska!
Founded in 2002, The Fortress of the Bear is a wildlife sanctuary located in Sitka, Alaska.
The sanctuary currently has nine bear residents, both black and brown bears. The center works as a non-profit bear rescue. They offer protection and care for the bear cubs in residence, and conservation education to the public!
All of the bears you see at this facility came as orphaned bear cubs.
Due to Alaska state laws, wild bears are not allowed to be released back into the wilderness. That's where the Fortress of the Bear stepped in! They have built a sanctuary to allow wild bear cubs to be raised and used for conservation efforts. Because of the sanctuary, Alaska now has an option for bear cubs instead of being euthanized!
This year the Fortress of the Bear has been able to increase its black bear habitat expansion!
The non-profit exists solely on donations, as well as selling bear related products on their online store. They also sometimes do craft markets, frequently selling ornaments of the bears, and other fun items.
Recently they did a series of bear paw paintings!
They had the bears run their paws through different colored paints, and ran them over paper! The paintings were a huge hit, and the non-profit was able to sell them to fundraise at $50.00 a piece. They have intentions of doing it again this summer, and you can find the paintings on their website for sale.
They also offer fun seasonal events for enrichment purposes for the bears, and entertainment purposes for the visitors!
From pumpkin treats during the fall, to an Easter egg hunt in the spring, these bears have so many things to do! The bears get stuffed animals to play with, as well as Christmas treats and picnics on July 4th!
The bears are fed a healthy diet of meat, fish, fruits, veggies, high quality dog food and nuts.
They also get treats of honey and peanut butter! You can find the bear keeper's daughter frequently filling up large Kong balls with fresh fruit and kibble pieces, for some of the bears to "puzzle" out.
In fact, many of the bears have taken intelligence tests and mark very high! One of the bears scored higher than wolves, cats, and dogs!
Many of the bears at the sanctuary are related as brother and sisters, and they all get along very well and playfully. At most you may see them arguing over a piece of delectable food.
Admission helps keep this beautiful sanctuary running. They offer a seasonal family pass for four people at only $50.00, or adults are $15.00 and children ages 7-18 are only $5.00. Under 7 is free!
You can visit these amazing creatures at 4639 Sawmill Creek Rd. Sitka, Alaska. They are open seasonally from May 1st through September 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The winter of 2018-2019 is closed for construction improvements to facility enhancements!
Have you ever visited this bear sanctuary? If so, let us know what you thought in the comments below! If you'd like to find out more information, you can check out their website here.
While you're in Sitka, make sure to read about This Tiny Town In Alaska Has A Little Bit Of Everything and find out all the other amazing things to do here!Ad
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