Black Bear - Glacier Bear Phase

Q: Is it safe to view bears?

Yes, if you maintain 100-yard minimum distance and never approach. Serious bear injuries are extremely rare when visitors follow these protocols. Stay alert, use binoculars, and back away slowly if a bear approaches.

Q: What's the rare glacier bear?

A natural color phase found in Southeast Alaska where some black bears have blue-gray or slate-colored fur instead of black. It's the same species (Ursus americanus)—just a different coat color due to local genetics unique to this region.

Q: How large do black bears get?

Typically 125–300 pounds, but large individuals reach 600 pounds. Males are significantly larger than females. Despite their size, they are intelligent and generally avoid humans.

Q: Can I photograph bears safely?

Yes, from 100+ yards away using a telephoto lens. Early morning and late afternoon light works best. Never position yourself between a bear and its escape route or young cubs.

Q: When are bears most active and visible?

Late May through early September, with peak activity in July. Bears are most observable during late morning and late afternoon. Bears remain active year-round but are less visible and encounter less visitor traffic in winter months.

Q: What should I do if a bear approaches?

Remain calm. Back away slowly while facing the bear; do not run. Make noise to encourage the bear to leave. If the bear charges, use bear spray if available and seek higher ground or dense cover. Report the encounter to a ranger immediately.

Type

Wildlife Habitat

Accessibility

Accessible to visitors; coastal forest walk

Best Season

Late May through early September

Busiest Season

July peak; late May through early September main visitor season

Features

Black bear habitat in temperate coastal forest with tall trees and thick brush providing predator protection

Overview

About This Attraction

Stocky forest dwellers with distinctive features—roman nose profile, flat upper back, short curved claws—black bears are signature wildlife of Glacier Bay's coastal woodlands. These bears range from jet black to brown, blonde, or the rare glacier bear's blue-gray phase, unique to Southeast Alaska. Typically weighing 125–300 pounds (occasionally to 600 pounds), they inhabit forested areas from beach to alpine elevations. Often observed near Bartlett Cove, they remind visitors of wild predators that demand respect and distance—100 yards minimum.

Quick Facts

Type

Wildlife Habitat

Access

Accessible to visitors; coastal forest walk

Main Features

Black bear habitat in temperate coastal forest with tall trees and thick brush providing predator protection

What You'll See

Stocky black bears with distinctive roman nose, flat upper back, and short curved claws. Coat colors range from jet black to brown, blonde, or rare blue-gray glacier bear phase. Coastal forest of tall trees, thick understory brush, and muddy areas showing bear sign

What Makes It Special

Glacier bears—rare blue-gray color phase unique to Southeast Alaska—can appear here. Black bears in Glacier Bay represent a northern population with adaptations to coastal and glacial-influenced ecosystems

Best Time to Visit

Late May through early September, peak in July. Early morning and late afternoon offer optimal lighting and bear activity visibility during the main visitor season.

Safety Considerations

Black bears are wild predators capable of inflicting serious injury. Maintain 100-yard minimum distance at all times. Never approach, surround, feed, or corner a bear. If approached, back away slowly while facing the bear; do not run. Report aggressive behavior to ranger immediately. Keep all food and scented items secured

Visitor Tips

Maintain 100-yard minimum distance from all bears—enforce with binoculars
Scan forest edges and beaches of Bartlett Cove during dawn and dusk
Look for tracks, scat, and overturned logs in muddy areas indicating bear presence
Report sightings to Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station
Never approach, feed, or corner a bear
Keep food secured; bears are attracted to unsecured supplies
Stay on established trails and follow posted wildlife protocols

Details

Location & Features

Type: Wildlife Habitat

Distance from Entrance: No entrance gates; Gustavus ferry terminal or air access required

GPS: 58.45312489585233,-135.86194117282673

What Makes It Unique:

Geology

Scientific Interest:

Black bear behavior and ecology in coastal temperate rainforest; rare glacier bear color phase (blue-gray) found in Southeast Alaska due to local genetic variation; adaptation of northern bear populations to marine-influenced ecosystems

Getting There

Directions:

Ferry from Gustavus Dock & Ferry Terminal (approximately 1 hour) or air access to Gustavus; then ground access to Bartlett Cove area trails and viewpoints

Access Type: Accessible to visitors; coastal forest walk

Road: No road access; ferry and air terminals

Seasonal Access: Year-round; main visitor services and optimal bear viewing May–September

Parking: No vehicle parking; ferry and air access only

Entry Fees: No entrance fee required

Trails

Trailheads Here:

Forest Loop Trail (segments: Glacial Erratic, Root Ball, Top of the Hill); Experience the Huna Tribal House

Connecting Trails:

Forest Loop Trail network; connections to Bartlett Cove trail system

Photography & Viewing

Best Viewpoints:

Bartlett Cove vicinity, forest edges adjacent to the beach, trail corridors through coastal forest habitat

Photo Opportunities:

Bear silhouettes against coastal forest backdrop; close-up details of facial features (roman nose, ear shape, claws) from safe distance with telephoto lens; tracks and scat in muddy areas

Best Photo Spots:

Forest edges at dawn/dusk; muddy trail areas showing tracks; open beach areas with forested backdrop

Wildlife & Nature

Common Wildlife:

Black bears (Ursus americanus), occasionally glacier bear variant with blue-gray fur; coastal forest songbirds and small mammals

Best Wildlife Viewing: Late May through early September with peak activity in July. Most observable during late morning and late afternoon when bears forage actively

Seasonal Information

Best Season: Late May through early September

Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon during peak season (late May–early September) for optimal bear sighting and photography light

Road Opens: No roads; ferry service year-round subject to weather closures

Busiest: July peak; late May through early September main visitor season

Snow Until: Minimal to no snow lingering at Bartlett Cove sea-level elevation; higher elevations retain snow longer

Winter Access: Year-round boat and air access; ranger services and visitor facilities extremely limited November–April

Weather:

Frequent rain and fog typical of Southeast Alaska coastal area. Wind common. Cool temperatures year-round. Afternoon lightning possible in summer months

Activities

Boating Allowed

Nearby

Nearby Attractions:

Bartlett Cove Beach Rocks, Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock, Beardslee Islands, Margerie Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier, Muir Inlet

Nearby Services:

Gustavus, Alaska (supplies and services); Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station

Insider Tips

Location marked here is illustrative; black bears occur throughout Glacier Bay
Glacier bears (blue-gray coat) are NOT a separate species—just a natural color variant of black bears
Bears can weigh up to 600 lbs but typically 125–300 lbs; males larger than females
Identify by roman nose (unlike brown bears' dish-shaped profile), flat upper back, and short curved claws
Binoculars essential for safe viewing at 100+ yards
Talk with rangers at Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station for current bear activity reports

Visitor Information

Accessibility:

Coastal forest area accessible via ferry and air to Gustavus; ground access to Bartlett Cove viewpoints and trail network

Family Friendly:

Keep children within arm's reach and maintain 100-yard distance from bears. Teach wildlife respect. Supervision essential. Muddy trails can be slippery; wear appropriate footwear. Cold weather and rain possible year-round; dress in layers

Nearby Facilities:

Glacier Bay Visitor Information Station, Bartlett Cove Campground, Gustavus Dock & Ferry Terminal

Reviews

" Black bears are iconic Glacier Bay residents, observable in Bartlett Cove and throughout the park during peak visitor season (late May–September). Visitors appreciate wildlife viewing opportunities but must respect 100-yard distance protocols. The illustrative location reflects bears' widespread presence rather than a fixed viewing spot. Most visitors understand and follow safety guidelines, making bear encounters generally safe when conducted responsibly"

FAQs

Will I definitely see a black bear at Bartlett Cove?

Bears are common throughout Glacier Bay, but sightings aren't guaranteed. This location is illustrative—bears range across the park. Your best chance is during peak season (late May–September) while visiting Bartlett Cove or on boat tours into upper inlets where bears forage.

Is it safe to view bears?

What's the rare glacier bear?

How large do black bears get?

Can I photograph bears safely?

When are bears most active and visible?

What should I do if a bear approaches?

📖 National Park Service — Black Bear - Bartlett Cove (official page) (checked 2026-07-11) 📖 National Park Service — Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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