B.E.A.R.S. (Bear Education Awareness Research Sanctuary) of Alaska Center
Why?
AWCC originally opened knowing that interest in wildlife viewing was growing. Over 3 million people have visited the wildlife center since its inception. With an annual visitation of over a
quarter of a million people, AWCC has the opportunity to reach a large and diverse audience. By implementing the BEARS Center program, AWCC will be able to educate residents and visitors alike on these magnificent animals, and how to safely and responsibly travel and live in bear country.
Who?
Bear viewing in Alaska is an activity appreciated by local Alaskan residents and visitors alike. No other species is as interesting, captivating or endearing to humans as bears. Millions of visitors come to Alaska each year to witness and photograph its amazing wildlife resources. Hence, this bear facility has the ability to attract hundreds of thousands of new visitors each year. Seeing a bear is often at the top of most visitors' lists. However, bear viewing by its very nature, is usually in remote settings and often comes at a high price. This is why AWCC would like to take advantage of the opportunity we have to share our 3 adult brown bears with visitors in a natural setting only 50 minutes south of Anchorage. School groups, local Alaskans, and visiting summer tourist will have the opportunity to enjoy the Bear Education And Research Sanctuary (BEARS) while viewing bears in a semi-wild natural environment. Already in place is an 18-acre enclosure, which is home to 3 brown bears, 4 coyotes and other visiting wildlife. Also, a one-acre pond and a coniferous forest are in place and provide a wilderness setting where animals display their natural and wild behaviors.
How?
AWCC is currently fundraising for this project. The total budget to add the Bear Center to the existing park is approximately $6 million. This will allow us to construct a quality facility that provides the necessary aspect of education and bear interaction, all the time having as little impact on the land and being as green of a building as possible. AWCC has hired Z Architects out of Girdwood to design the building, and has tasked The Sibbett Group out of San Francisco to do the interpretive work in the center. For fundraising ideas, or more information, contact bears@alaskawildlife.org