The Tongass National Forest, spanning 16.7 million acres in Southeast Alaska, is a haven for some of North America’s most iconic wildlife: bears [U.S. Forest Service, 2025].

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) and black bears (Ursus americanus) roam this vast temperate rainforest, playing a critical role in its ecosystem. This blog explores their lives, seasonal movements tied to food sources, and how The Boat Company’s conservation efforts support their habitat. Watch our naturalist Christian Desrochers’ video to see these majestic creatures in action.

Bear Species and Populations

The Tongass supports robust populations of both bear species. Approximately 3,000 brown bears, also known as grizzlies, inhabit the region, with the highest densities on Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof Islands, often called the “ABC Islands” [ADF&G, 2024]. Black bears are more numerous, with an estimated 10,000 across Southeast Alaska [ADF&G, 2024]. These bears thrive in the Tongass’s old-growth forests, relying on its 70,000+ miles of streams for food [ADF&G 2023–2024].

Ecological Role

Bears are ecosystem engineers. During salmon runs, they feast on fish, consuming up to 20 salmon a day per bear [U.S. Forest Service, 2025]. In the process, they transfer marine-derived nutrients to the forest. A 2022 study found that bears distribute up to 60% of the nitrogen from salmon carcasses to the forest floor through scat and leftovers, fertilizing trees and plants [University of Alaska Southeast, 2022]. This nutrient cycle supports everything from Sitka spruce to the smallest invertebrates, linking the ocean to the land.

Behavior and Habitat

“If you want to see a bear, the best thing to do is to look for their food source.”

— Christian Desrochers, The Boat Company Naturalist

Brown bears exhibit seasonal movements driven by food availability. In early summer (June), they forage in lower-elevation meadows for berries and sedges. By late summer (July–August), they shift to salmon streams like Anan Creek for abundant fish, a pattern observed during peak runs [ADF&G, 2024]. Black bears, more widespread across the Tongass, prefer dense forest interiors, foraging for berries like huckleberries and salmonberries, which make up 50% of their diet year-round [U.S. Forest Service, 2025]. In June, they focus on forest berries, but by July–August, they also target salmon streams, though berries remain their primary food source. Both species prepare for hibernation from November to April, building fat reserves during the abundant summer months.

Conservation Challenges

Bears face threats from habitat loss and climate change. Logging in the Tongass has reduced old-growth forest by 10% since 1950, fragmenting bear habitats as they move for food [U.S. Forest Service, 2025]. Climate change impacts salmon runs, reducing food availability; a 2023 report noted a 15% decline in Southeast Alaska’s pink salmon returns over the past decade [ADF&G, 2023]. The Boat Company’s $30M+ investment in conservation, including support for the Roadless Rule, helps protect bear habitats by preserving old-growth forests and salmon streams [Boat Company Foundation, 2025].

How You Can Help

Join us on an eco-cruise to witness bears (where possible—please note we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings) in their natural habitat, following their seasonal journey from meadows to streams.

Your trip supports our nonprofit’s efforts to restore streams and forests, ensuring bears thrive for generations.

The following resources were used to write this article: