Kodiak hiker sees three bears in town, none on 17-mile trail

A Kodiak hiker reported seeing three bears in town but none during a 17-mile round trip on the Lost Lake trail. The observation comes as two major hiking events prepare to bring more people onto Kodiak trails in mid-June.

Kodiak Island holds one of the densest brown bear populations in the world. Hikers heading out this summer should expect bears may be near town or on trails and follow Alaska Department of Fish and Game bear-safety guidance: make noise, stay alert, and secure food and garbage.

The Kodiak Mountain Series, a three-day stage race covering roughly 20 miles across three mountains, runs June 18 through 20. The Adjust Your Altitude hiking challenge, organized by Discover Kodiak, opens June 15 and runs through September 1, encouraging participants to explore local trails.

Dedicated bear-viewing trips are often more likely to produce sightings than ordinary hiking.