One of Alaska’s most famous wildlife species is the grizzly bear. And the largest bear sanctuary in the world is found right in the Last Frontier! The McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is located right outside of  Katmai National Park and Preserve and is home to the world’s largest concentration of brown bears.

If you’re on the lookout for brown bears, there’s no better place to go than Alaska.
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The state is teeming with bears, and brown bears congregate in the largest amounts anywhere in McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. This world-famous sanctuary is on plenty of people’s bucket lists, and for good reason!
The wildlife sanctuary is home to the largest concentration of brown bears in the entire world.
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Located just north of Katmai National Park and Preserve on the Alaska Peninsula, it’s a quick 100-mile flight west of Homer.
At a size of just 200 square miles, it’s absolutely teeming with bears and other wildlife.
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The reason for all of the bears? McNeil River’s salmon runs. All five species of Pacific salmon can be found within the sanctuary, to the delight of all of the nearby bears.

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The best time to see the brown bears?
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Mid-June at Mikfik Creek, or in July to mid-August at McNeil River. Mark your calendars, because spots book up quickly.
Bears aren’t the only wildlife you’ll see at the sanctuary.
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It’s also home to a wide variety of animals. You’ll find wolves, red fox, moose, caribou, wolverines, eagles, ducks, cormorants, and seabirds.
The state limits visitors to just 10 a day to view the bears at McNeil River.
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You’ll need to get a permit, and this spot is so popular, there’s a lottery you’ll have to enter to win. You can enter with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
This incredible place is a once-in-a-lifetime visit.
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From the incredible wildlife to unbelievable scenery, the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is a must-see. You’ll have the opportunity for seeing the famed brown bears in the largest numbers anywhere!

Have you ever visited the largest bear sanctuary in the world? What did you think? Would you recommend it to others? Let us know in the comments below!

Love seeing bears in Alaska? Make sure you visit The Beautiful Alaskan Island Where Bears Outnumber The People.

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McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, Alaska, USA