Katmai National Park bridge traffic monitoring 2011
Anderson SA, Turner CN, Hamon TR. 2013. Katmai National Park bridge traffic monitoring 2011. Natural Resource Data Series. NPS/KATM/NRDS—2013/590. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
From May through October approximately 255 people a day come to watch one of the highest concentrations of brown bears (Ursus arctos) feed on sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), The peak periods of concomitant bear and human activity occur in July and the first two weeks in September when salmon availability is highest and the lodge and other facilities are open to the public. Visitors coming from the lodge or visitor center must cross a floating bridge to reach viewing platforms on the south side of Brooks River. The park closes access across the river when bears are active near the bridge. This study documented the frequency and duration of these bridge closures and the number of visitors affected. During sampled hours in July, the bridge was open a total of 4,630 minutes (66%) and closed 2,390 minutes (34%). In September, comparable sampling showed 676 minutes open (18%) and 3,014 closed (82%). Most closures were less than 10 minutes and there were more closures per day in September than July. While the closures were shorter than previous staff reports and experience suggested, we documented that the bridge was closed during a substantial portion of the total time sampled.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Anderson, Sherri; Turner, Carissa; Hamon, Troy
- Date of Issue
- 2013-11
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- KATM , NRSS
- Keywords
- Brooks Camp, Brown Bear, KATM, Katmai National Park, Ursus arctos
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Mammals , Ecological Framework: Human Use | Visitor and Recreation Use | Visitor Use