Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • Newsletter cover

    2021 Newsletter

    Check out what the Kodiak Refuge has been up to in the last year!

    2021 spring newsletter

  • Salmon Camper

    Salmon Camp Kits!

    Salmon Camp activity kits are offered monthly during the Winter months. Visit our Facebook page for details.

    Learn More

  • FANWR promo

    Ways to get More Involved...

    The Friends of Alaska Refuges supports all 16 of Alaska's National Wildlife Refuges!

    Learn more

Highlights

The Mystery of Bats on an Island of Bears

Little brown bat

Kodiak Island, home to Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, is world famous for its massive Kodiak brown bears. The little brown bat weighs in at a fraction of the size, but also plays a vital role in the local ecosystem. While we have learned quite a bit about brown bears, we know much less about the unassuming brown, furry mammal of the sky.

Full Article

Big Game Guiding Permits

Bear cub. Photo by M. Weisenberger.

Now accepting permit applications for commercial big game guiding through April 11th, 2022. Permits for 24 Guide Use Areas will be available on the Refuge. Selected guides will receive an exclusive special use permit authorizing operation for a 5-year period (beginning in 2024), with the possibility of non-competitive renewal for another five years. Questions can be directed to hansel_klausner@fws.gov or 907-487-0248.

Big Game Guide Permit Prospectus

Public Use Cabins

Image of brown cabin in woods

Explore the Refuge from one of our nine public use cabins! For more information about reserving a cabin, visit

Public Use Cabins
Visit Us

Visitor Center Hours

Ranger Heather

The Visitor Center remains closed to the public but limited outdoor education programs are available. Please continue to check here or our Facebook page for information about our available programs and events. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is following federal, state, and local public health authority guidance as we continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more

A Refuge Is Born

Established During a Time of War...

Bear cubs

For at least 7,500 years, people and bears have coexisted on the Kodiak Archipelago. Increasing pressure from civilization at the turn of the 20th century led to a declining Kodiak brown bear population. At the same time, the world began to take notice of the incredible size and unique natural history of the iconic animal.

Celebrating Kodiak Refuge

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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