Monitoring

Berries are an important food source for brown bear and several studies document extensive seasonal use of berries by Kodiak brown bear. However, little is known about the influences of seasonal variation in berry supply. In 2015, the Refuge initiated a pilot study to monitor phenology and abundance of red elderberry, salmonberry, oval-leaf blueberry, and devils club. The monitoring program became fully operational in 2017.

Facilities

a kodiak brown bear sow with three large cubs stand on the banks of a lake
Homeland of the Alutiiq Sugpiaq peoples, Kodiak Archipelago is located in the Gulf of Alaska, 30 miles from the nearest mainland coast, across the notoriously temperamental Shelikof Strait. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge spans almost two million acres and covers more than 2/3rds of Kodiak Island,...

Contact

Programs

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.