(SitNews) Wrangell, Alaska - The fifth annual Wrangell Bearfest is July 23 to 27, 2014. The festival is a five-day celebration of the natural and cultural resources around Wrangell, Alaska with an emphasis on bears.

Wrangell is 30 miles northwest of the Anan Wildlife Observatory, one of Alaska’s premiere bear viewing areas. Anan Creek has one of the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska, which supports the high density of black and brown bears that gather there. From July 5 through August 25, an individual pass is required to visit the Wildlife Observatory.

The USDA Forest Service, Wrangell Ranger District is part of the activities. Anan Wildlife Observatory site managers will participate in the “Management at Bear Viewing Areas” Symposium on Thursday, July 24, 2014. Children can read with a ranger and Smokey Bear, and all ages may take a virtual visit to Anan on Friday, July 25, 2014. Participants may make a bear mask and learn how to set up a bear safe campsite on Saturday July 26, 2014. Bearfest is supported in part by Secure Rural Schools Resource Act Advisory Committee (RAC) funding.

In conjunction with the festival, celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act by viewing a wilderness film. The Meaning of Wild will be shown alongside a presentation on the Wrangell District’s local Wilderness Areas at the James and Elsie Nolan Center from 5 p.m. on Wednesday July 23. The short film, developed by the Sitka Conservation Society, illustrates the beauty and diversity of Tongass National Forest Wilderness Areas.

On the Web:

Complete schedule and more information http://www.alaskabearfest.org/Alaska_BearFest/Home.html

Edited by Mary Kauffman

Source of News: 

U.S. Forest Service
www.fs.fed.gov

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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