FORTRESS OF THE BEAR
The Fortress of the Bear , another animal sanctuary in Sitka , serves as a rescue center for bears in need . Their goal ? To one day change policies so they can eventually release these bears back into the wild . Their facility closes to the public from November through March while the bears hibernate , but their open months allow visitors to get within 25 feet of these incredible giants . Community involvement also plays a factor in helping this facility operate . The organization ’ s naturalists make sure these bears eat a seasonal diet , like meat , local berries , fruits , veggies , and of course , fish , much of which gets donated by local grocery stores . During the salmon run , they work with the hatchery at the Sitka Sound Science Center to collect live fish that are then put into pools for the bears . This important donation means the bears can act on their natural instincts , catching their own dinners .
This exchange of support gives a deeper look into one of the factors that makes Sitka so special , our community . During your visit , be sure to stop by and say hi to some of Sitka ’ s favorite community members .
SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER
Along with their ties to local organizations , like the Fortress of the Bear , the Sitka Sound Science Center gives to the community through education . On site , they offer an aquatic touch tank , field guides for beachcombing , educational tours of the hatchery , and summer camps . They also donate time to the Sitka School District through their Scientists in the School program ( a 20-year initiative that brings working scientists into grade-level appropriate cirriculum ) and their involvement in Sitka WhaleFest , which helps bring science enthusiasts from all over the world to town . In return , memberships , monetary donations , and local volunteers allow the Science Center to continue thriving and providing these opportunities .
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