Applications for McNeil River Bear viewing permits due March 1

Application deadline is midnight, March 1 for lottery permits to visit Alaska’s McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. Online applications and printable application forms are available at mcneilriver.adfg.alaska.gov through the “Permits” tab and “Viewing Permits” link. More information about visiting McNeil River is available on the website or by calling (907) 267-2257.

A nonrefundable application fee of $25 per person is required and up to three people may apply together as a group. Applications are entered into a lottery and, if drawn, Alaska residents must pay a $150 permit fee and nonresidents $350.

Located 100 air miles west of Homer, the McNeil River hosts the world’s largest known gathering of brown bears. Hundreds of people apply each year for permits to watch bears drawn to the river to feed on migrating salmon.