Fortress of the Bear...

...a 501 (c)3 non-profit education and rescue center with an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned Brown Bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas. Also home to the Sawmiill Farm.

A DREAM, A BEGINNING…

Loss of our natural resource

The Brown bears of Southeast Alaska represent a distinct population, genetically dissimilar from any other bear. Research suggests these bears are remnants of a Polar bear population stranded in Southeast Alaska following the last ice age. They have adapted to the rain forest environment
and learned specific behaviors and marvelous survival skills. They successfully hunt everything from mountain goats to seals. Their ability to adapt sometimes brings them into conflict with their upright urban neighbors. The means to deal with these bears has been limited or non-existent. Our goal is to seek a solution that is better than simply shooting them.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

In order to accomplish this mission we have established a bear habitat. We are utilizing 2 abandoned Clarifier Tanks which are 14 and 17 feet high respectively and 3/4 of an acre each. Our habitat allows for public viewing and an educational experience.

Sitka is a city that welcomes over 400, 000 visitors per year. These guests have the opportunity to see bears in a naturalized setting and provide the community with a number of economic benefits.

Each year, Sitka and communities throughout the State struggle with a productive solution to handling bears that have become urbanized. The research opportunities provided by the organization will create a comprehensive location where state and federal agents can work collaboratively to provide an eff ective alternative to the destruction of these animals. In addition to assisting in the main issues, this project has the potential for significant economic impact in Sitka, and Southeast.

Once the Fortress is fully operational, the project will becomeself-sustaining, with continued
fundraising eff orts for special projects. It will provide more than six year-round professional
positions. During the summer, more than 10 wildlife interpreters will be employed to insure each
guest has a meaningful and memorable visit.

Fortress Of The Bear is the largest private recycler in Sitka, utilizing out-dated produce, dairy and bakery products from all the local markets. This allows the animals to be well fed with the waste then utilized in the compost. This saves the city and private businesses more than $10,000 yearly in waste disposal.

AN OPEN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATION:

This project will require time, money and wisdom. The beneficiaries are numerous; Wildlife, Alaska, Sitka, Students, Visitors & Scientific Research. We invite your support. We welcome any
contributions, comments, suggestions or community partnership interests. Thank you!

Visiting Fortress of the Bear

Fortress of the Bear offers a shuttle from the dock to the site. The fee is $3 and is available on cruise ship days only.

Additionally, you may contact one of the tour companies, taxis or car rentals.  We are about 5 miles from the dock.

Tours:

Sitka Tours (907) 747-5800
Sitka Wildlife Tours

Taxi Companies:

Hank's Cabs (907) 747-8888
Nina's Taxi (907) 738-1931

Car Rentals:

North Star Car Rental