Action Alert: Speak Up for McNeil's Bears
Recently, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) announced its consideration of allowing wheeled airplane landings at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. Many AWA members have reached out for more information and guidance on the issue – here’s what we think.
McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, bordering Katmai National Park and Preserve, is home to the world’s largest seasonal congregation of brown bears. Established in 1967, the Sanctuary was created to protect brown bears and their habitat permanently. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is obligated, under law, to manage McNeil River accordingly.
Currently, transportation to the Sanctuary entails floatplane landings that must be timed to high tides, and access is strictly controlled by a limited permit lottery system. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) is now proposing permitting wheel plane landings at McNeil River Sanctuary to change visitor access, prioritizing questionably safe (at this location) air taxi scheduling over the protections for bears the Department is obligated to uphold.
The wheeled landings proposal raises serious concerns. The proposed landing area is on a narrow spit and beach that is prime brown bear habitat, especially for females, cubs, and younger bears. Wheeled landings would displace bears and disrupt habitat, directly conflicting with the Sanctuary’s legal mandate to prioritize permanent protection of wildlife and habitat over human access.
Alaska Statute 16.20.162, which created McNeilRiver State Game Sanctuary in 1967, is clear:
“The McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is established to:
(1) provide permanent protection for brown bears and other fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, so that these resources may be preserved for scientific, aesthetic, and educational purposes;
(2) manage human use and activities in a way that is compatible with (1) of this subsection and to maintain and enhance the unique bear viewing opportunities within the sanctuary.”
In suggesting permitting wheeled landings in core brown bear habitat, ADFG is implying it is within their purview to prioritize human access to the sanctuary over the primary goal of “permanent protection.” This is not accurate. Wheeled landings are not compatible with the primary mandate of the sanctuary. Moreover, there has already been a floatplane access proposal that would provide all permitted visitors with access to McNeil, which the Department has been ignoring.
These concerns about wheeled landings are heightened by recent bear numbers at McNeil. According to visitors in 2025, only 17 bears were observed in the McNeil fishing congregation, far below the historical average of 50 to 60 bears and the lowest count on record. Four of the last six years have seen similarly low numbers.
At a time when brown bears in southwest Alaska are already facing pressure from Mulchatna bear control, management of McNeil River by ADFG must remain consistent with the governing statute of protections, which prioritizes brown bears, and not provide another source of disturbance.
WHAT ABOUT THE SURVEY?
ADFG also released a survey asking for public input on allowing wheeled landings in McNeil. AWA believes that the survey requesting public input on wheeled landings in McNeil is misleading and asks questions that are inconsistent with management regulations. In addition, it lacks sufficient scientific data and observation about the disturbance to bears. It frames the issue as a matter of personal preference, despite the fact that the proposed wheeled landings come into conflict with the Alaska law that established the Sanctuary.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
We urge the public to contact the ADFG Division of Wildlife Conservation and make it clear that the governing statute of the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary requires ADFG to prioritize protection of brown bears and habitat. This is a legal obligation, not a policy choice.
Because the ADFG’s current survey does not include an option for public comment, direct emails are the best way for stakeholders and supporters of McNeil River to share their perspectives.
Rather than accommodating wheeled landings in prime bear habitat, ADFG should use the floatplane access proposals currently submitted and instead focus on understanding why bear numbers in the McNeil River congregation have dropped so dramatically.
Take Action:
Email Ryan Scott, Director of the Division of Wildlife Conservation, at ryan.scott@alaska.gov.
State clearly that McNeil River’s statute mandates bear protection as the top priority
Urge ADFG to investigate the decline in bear numbers at McNeil River.
Oppose management decisions that prioritize access or convenience over bear protection.
Thank you for standing up for Alaska’s bears!
