A bear at Brooks Falls. August 2019.
Credit Izzy Ross/KDLG
Katmai National Park and Preserve issued a temporary closure for a portion of Brooks River to allow the brown bears more access to the fishing grounds.
In an announcement, Park Superintendent Mark Sturm said the water levels in the Brooks River have been unusually high this year, and the bears have a harder time fishing in deep waters. This closure will give bears unhindered access to shallower waters.
The area is typically open to anglers, photographers, and tourists. Bears are most successful with their fishing without the interference or presence of humans. Leaving these waters open to humans could dissuade bears from fishing there.