Among Alaska’s Coastal Brown Bears
To film these remarkable animals, we decided our best opportunity would be to live among them, camping in the heart of their territory to capture their early-morning and evening activities.
A coastal brown bear hunting along the tidal zone in Lake Clark National Park
Alaska is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on Earth—species that are increasingly threatened by new policies and laws being pushed across the country without fair or scientific review. Protecting biodiversity is vital for the health of our planet, which is why we partner with organizations advocating for stronger protections for wildlife. Our recent trip to Alaska gave us the chance to highlight the importance of safeguarding one of the world’s last true wilderness areas—and to spend time with one of Alaska’s most iconic species: the coastal brown bear.
To film these remarkable animals, we decided our best opportunity would be to live among them, camping in the heart of their territory to capture their early-morning and evening activities. That led us to Lake Clark National Park, one of the densest brown bear habitats in Alaska. This park is off the road system and only accessible by bush plane, so packing carefully—and staying under the strict weight limit—was essential. Lake Clark National Park is located in southwest Alaska and is a remote wilderness of towering mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and pristine rivers.
The flight alone was unforgettable. From above, we saw sprawling wetlands, glacial valleys, and even a moose bedded down in the willows. When we landed on the park’s sandy beach, we set up camp with safety in mind. Two electric fences were crucial: one surrounding our tents, the other placed 100 yards downwind to secure food storage. We packed our supplies in bear barrels, which not only protect food from curious claws but also help minimize food smells that might draw bears closer.
Filming required patience and constant vigilance. By reading tracks and well-worn trails, we learned where the bears liked to roam. We planned our trip for late August to coincide with the salmon run, when bears congregate at rivers to feast on migrating fish. Watching these massive predators skillfully fish was awe-inspiring, especially knowing how critical salmon are for fueling their fat reserves before hibernation.
But salmon aren’t their only meal. Along the tidal flats, we watched bears dig for clams—a rich and nutrient-dense food source. Coastal brown bears have one of the most varied diets of any bear species, feeding on grasses, berries, fish, clams, and even carrion. Fun fact: Alaska’s coastal brown bears are among the largest bears in the world, with some males weighing over 1,200 pounds thanks to the protein-rich coastal diet.
Our crew worked from sunrise to sunset, sometimes covering more than 12 miles in a single day across beaches, sedge meadows, river corridors, and forest edges to follow the bears’ movements. Every moment in the field deepened our respect for how perfectly adapted these animals are to the diverse landscapes they inhabit.
One bear in particular stood out: a young mother with two lively cubs. She seemed to be a first-time mom—smaller and more cautious than the other females, constantly on guard for threats from larger bears. Her cubs, on the other hand, were bundles of energy, splashing in the shallows, wrestling, and playing without a care while their mother anxiously scanned the horizon. Watching this family reminded us how much is at stake—without healthy habitats and strong protections, future generations of cubs may not have the same safe wilderness to grow up in.
Spending time in Lake Clark with Alaska’s coastal brown bears was more than just a filming assignment. It was a reminder of how interconnected ecosystems are, how fragile they can become under human pressures, and how much responsibility we share in protecting them.
PHOTO GALLERY
About Defenders of Wildlife
This work conducted on assignment for Defenders of Wildlife, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting imperiled species and the habitats they depend on. Their work spans policy advocacy, on-the-ground conservation projects, and community engagement, with a focus on balancing the needs of people and wildlife. From safeguarding corridors for species like wolves, panthers, and grizzly bears, to addressing climate change and habitat fragmentation, Defenders partners with local communities, scientists, and policymakers to ensure wildlife can thrive across North America.