Wildlife Wednesday at the Zoo - McNeil River State Game Sanctuary: 58 Years of Bears Being Bears

In the southwest corner of Cook Inlet lies McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. This crown jewel of Alaska is renowned for playing host to one of the great wildlife spectacles of our planet: one of the largest seasonal congregations of brown bears in the world. But aside from the number of bears, this special place is remarkable for another reason: its designation as a place where - aside from human safety - the needs of wildlife come first. Join Fish and Wildlife Technician Wilson Puryear to learn about the Sanctuary's history, the ins and outs of its bear viewing program, and what to expect for those who may one day visit.

Wilson Puryear is a Fish and Wildlife Technician with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Division of Wildlife Conservation. He currently works as McNeil River State Game Sanctuary field staff during the summer months and as a bear and moose safety educator in the winter months. Prior to his work with ADF and G, he has worked as a commercial fisherman, and as animal care staff at both the Alaska Zoo and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Category: Attractions | Talks and Lectures