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bunch and also come in shades of brown, tan, and cinnamon. Beyond size, the best way to distinguish a black bear from a brown bear is through its profile: black bears have a humped nose while brown bears sport a “dished” nose. The enormous and beautiful Kodiak brown bear is a complete subspe- cies unto itself, thanks to taxonomist C. H. Merriam. These bears, who only live on the island of Kodiak, are thought to be related to the brown bears of the Alaska Peninsula. The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is very large, weighing anywhere from 500 to 1,400 pounds and sporting long, sharp claws effective for digging. Known as grizzlies up north near Denali National Park and as coastal brown bears or Kodiak brown bears near the coastal areas of southcentral and southeast Alaska, this bear is a formidable creature to happen upon. Both brown and black bears eat a lot during the short summer months. In fact, chowing down is number one on their list of priorities and they don’t like to be interrupted, but who can blame them? Winter hibernation means a bear must gain an extra 300 to 400 pounds of body fat (lucky them), so packing on pounds as fast and effectively as possible is crucial before finding a place to sleep, or “den up,” usually in November. Families who recreate in Alaska forests and meadows might view a bear, but it is more common to see signs of a bear. Hair, scat (poop), and trails through brushy areas, particularly along streams and rivers, indicate a bear has been in the area. Use caution, especially during the summer months when salmon runs mean constant use. Humans are merely guests in the bears’ habitat, and respect is mandatory. If you choose to take your kids into bear country, always be aware of your surroundings and environment. Hike in groups, make a lot of noise (we taught our youngest son to sing every Christmas carol he could remember, the louder the better), don’t allow kids to run farther ahead than you can reach, and carry bear spray. If you are fishing, follow the Alaska Fact Planning Your Adventure 40