Alaska Zoo black bear feedings run daily through September 1

The Alaska Zoo is offering daily animal feeding experiences through September 1, including moose, muskox, alpaca, porcupine, and black bear feedings. The 2:30 p.m. black bear feeding is one of three daily sessions at the zoo, located at 4731 O'Malley Road in Anchorage.

Sessions run daily at 2:30 p.m., capped at 10 participants for 30 minutes, including time for questions and pictures. Cost is $30 per person plus standard zoo entry, with a $10 member discount. Payment is at the gate only. Participants must be 9 or older. Those 15 and under must have a paid parent or guardian present. The season began May 21.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises keeping all food out of bears' reach in the wild. The National Park Service instructs visitors never to feed bears because doing so encourages the behavior. ADF&G biologists made the same point in 2000 when the department criticized the documentary "Bear Feeding Frenzy" for undermining public bear-safety education.