Fortress of the Bear, Sitka

The Fortress of the Bear is a non-profit bear refuge and educational center established in 2003 by Les and Evy Kinnear. Situated in the Gary Paxton Industrial Park, the refuge was created with the aim of providing a safe haven for bears in need while also offering educational opportunities for visitors to learn about these magnificent creatures and their conservation. Initially met with opposition from local conservation organizations due to concerns about confining wild bears, the Kinnears worked diligently to demonstrate their ability to properly care for animals, initially by raising pigs and other farm animals on the premises.

After receiving all necessary state and city permits, the refuge welcomed its first resident, a brown bear named Killisnoo, in 2007, followed by its first black bear, Smokey, in 2013. Over the years, the Fortress of the Bear has become a popular destination for visitors, attracting 20 percent of cruise ship passengers who dock in Sitka annually.

By its 10th anniversary in 2017, the refuge was home to three black bears and five brown bears. With approximately 30,000 yearly visitors and generating $1 million in annual revenue by 2017, the Fortress of the Bear continues to play a significant role in bear conservation efforts while providing an engaging and informative experience for visitors.