The robust science of the proposed project will inform on the best practices for conducting bear viewing on the coast of Lake Clark by assessing relative stress levels in bears and how level and type of visitor activity influences stress.
As visitation increases, the need to understand how it
may impact local populations of bears will be critical to ensuring minimal impacts to bears while allowing the public to have amazing opportunities to view these animals in their natural environment.
Results will also help to inform management beyond Lake Clark, with applicability to other parks and states lands where similar bear viewing occurs.