Polar and grizzly bears are present in Arctic Alaska, which covers the upper third of the main part of the state.
Polar bears are considered marine mammals because of the amount of time they spend on the Arctic Ocean's pack ice and in the water chasing ring seals. Occasionally they come into coastal towns and villages such as Barrow, Wainwright, Point Hope and Kaktovik.
The best viewing time is during the spring and fall whaling seasons, when whale carcasses may attract bears to shore.
Visitors should be aware that polar bears have no fear of humans. Bears have walked into villages and field camps and have killed several people and mauled others. Hikers must be alert, and Halloween has sometimes been postponed in Barrow when bears posed a danger to trick-or-treaters.
Barrow, the country's northernmost town, is reached by commercial air service from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Expect to pay Alaska Airlines between $440 and $570 for a round trip in summer. Kaktovik, on Barter Island just north of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, is reachable from Fairbanks; expect to pay about $640 for a round trip on Frontier Flying Service.
Barrow, which is also a destination for birders, has several hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers can take visitors to likely polar bear-viewing areas in season. Kaktovik has more modest accommodations, and local residents may be persuaded to take visitors on a tour.
Grizzly bears are found in the Brooks Range and other mountains in the southern Arctic region. Hunters and raft riders along the Noatak River often meet up with grizzlies. In Gates of the Arctic National Park, adventurers are encouraged to carry bear-resistant food containers. Sharp-eyed travelers along the Dalton Highway may see bears.
