An assessment of factors influencing bear viewing experiences on the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge: implications for management

ABSTRACT

The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska called for an assessment of visitor experiences at the Frazer bear viewing area. A two-phase visitor survey in 2016 reached ≥74% of total Frazer bear viewers, achieving a 91% response rate (n = 506) for the intercept portion and a 43% response rate (n = 219) for the online portion. Analysis revealed that the number of bears and fish ladder structures were associated with high overall trip satisfaction. Negative perceptions of artificial structures were associated with specific prior bear viewing experiences, but were not associated with the motivation of seeking a wilderness experience. Since 93% of respondents were satisfied or highly satisfied, understanding individual factors associated with satisfaction has greater utility than assessing overall satisfaction. Managers often intend for viewing to produce broader benefits for bears through visitor education efforts. Efforts could benefit from understanding the role of specific visitor motivations and expectations.

KEYWORDS:

• Bear viewing
• brown bears
• Kodiak
• visitor surveys
• wildlife viewing

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Hans Klausner and Natalie Sexton of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their support and guidance in this work. Research was funded by Utah State University’s X-STEM Assistantship for interdisciplinary research and the Department of Sociology in the College of Humanities and Social Science at Utah State University. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supported research through seasonal employment with the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, transportation, and logistical support for time spent on the refuge, and research guidance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Human Dimensions Branch.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Utah State University [X-STEM Assistantship].