0 pounds). Cubs often retain a white “natal ring” around their neck for the first few years of life. Most cubs stay with their mothers for three years.
The brown bear species, of which the Kodiak subspecies is a member, is listed as Lower Risk or Least Concern. The Kodiak is not listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.
There are approximately 3,500 bears that inhabit the Kodiak Archipelago. Their number has been slowly increasing in recent years.
In the past 20 years, bear viewing has become increasingly popular on Kodiak and other parts of Alaska.
Each year, about 4,500 people apply for the 496 permits offered for Kodiak bear hunts. Nonresidents are required to hire a registered guide who is authorized to hunt in a particular area, and this can cost from $10,000–$22,000.
In most circumstances, Kodiak bears keep away and attempt to avoid encounters with people. The most notable exceptions to this behavior pattern occur when bears are surprised, threatened, or attracted by human food, garbage, or hunter-killed game.
The Kodiak Bear has a presence of a warrior. The meaning for Kodiak Bear totem is ferocity, and is a symbol to beware; as it is among the fiercest of animals one can encounter.