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Gates of the Arctic National Park and PreserveBird sighting.
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Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFCs)
 
The different size and type bear resistant food containers we loan to the public for free.
BRFCs available for loan free of charge.

Gates of the Arctic ranger stations and visitor centers have BRFCs available to loan visitors, free of charge, on a first come-first served basis. Call ahead to check availability and come by the Bettles Ranger Station or Arctic Interagency Visitor Center before heading into the park and preserve. For information on the loan program and containers available click here.

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group approve bear resistant food containers.  They are defined as a securable container constructed of a solid nonpliable material capable of withstanding a minimum of 300 foot-pounds of energy. When secured and under stress, the container will not have any cracks, openings, or hinges that would allow a bear (or other animal) to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. Wood containers are not considered bear (animal) resistant unless they are reinforced with metal.

Please note that ice chests and coolers, tents, dry bags or stuff sacks, plastic packing boxes (Totes, Action Packers, etc) and unmodified kayaks are not approved Bear Resistant Containers.

 
Small bear barrels available for loan.
Two kinds of bear barrel
Bear Barrel Loan Program Information
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A mother grizzly with cubs relaxes in the grass.
Grizzly with cubs
Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee
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Black bear looking up.
Black Bear
Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group
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An Inuksuk stands out against the sky.  

Did You Know?
IƱuksuit ("stone people") were used to drive caribou by Nunamiut Eskimos, and are found along caribou migratory routes in Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve.
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Last Updated: May 23, 2008 at 17:26 EST