Kodiak Unified Bear Subcommittee (KUBS)

The Kodiak Unified Bear Subcommittee (KUBS) is a citizen’s group organized to work with natural resource agencies on the Kodiak Archipelago to encourage respectful conservation of Kodiak bears through research, management, and education. The group was created in 2003 as a recommendation of the Kodiak Archipelago Bear Management and Conservation Plan and includes representatives from a wide array of stakeholder groups including conservation organizations, bear hunting and viewing guides, local residents, Native land managers, and air-taxi operators. The group meets regularly from late fall through early spring to discuss current bear activity on the archipelago, research and management activities conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, and educational opportunities. Highlights of KUBS sponsored activities include presenting a college-credited commercial bear viewing course, developing and disseminating brochures and posters on bear safety and ethical bear viewing practices, producing public service announcements on local radio stations promoting respect of bears and bear safety, and testifying on bear-related issues at local and statewide boards and assemblies. KUBS is also a standing sub-committee of the Kodiak Fish and Game Advisory Committee. All meetings are open to the public and public participation is strongly encouraged.