ADFG Releases Survey Results For Bear Viewing At McNeil River Sanctuary

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

McNeil River State Game Sanctuary Stakeholder Survey Results are Posted

(Anchorage) – Results from the 2025–2026 McNeil River State Game Sanctuary stakeholder survey are now available on ADF&G’s website: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/lands/protectedareas/mcneilriver/pdfs/mcneil-river- stakeholder-survey-results.pdf.

The department is carefully considering the feedback received from the 741 stakeholders who responded to the survey, and the program will operate status quo during the review process. ADF&G appreciates all who took the time to complete this survey.

“McNeil is a world-renowned bear viewing program, and preserving the unique experience that McNeil provides is paramount. We are working to strike a balance between this and our responsibility to ensure that the public can safely participate in the bear viewing program.” said Director Ryan Scott. “The department’s goal is to identify solutions that balance these priorities.

The number of people who may be present at McNeil River Falls (or the other viewing locations within the sanctuary) is limited to no more than 10 individuals per day between June 7 and August 25, and no change to this is under consideration at this time.

Commercial transportation to the sanctuary will continue to be by floatplane for the 2026 season and requests to access the sanctuary via wheeled airplane will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This season permit holders that are unable to find reasonable options for transportation may be eligible for unused permits in other time blocks, as available.

For more information on McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge, please visit our website here: McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.