Wildlife Wednesdays Free Science Lecture
October 8, 2025
“McNeil River State Game Sanctuary: 58 Years of Bears Being Bears” by Wilson Puryear, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Technician, stationed at McNeil River Sanctuary
In the southwest corner of Cook Inlet lies McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. This crown jewel of Alaska is renowned for playing host to one of the great wildlife spectacles of our planet: one of the largest seasonal congregations of brown bears in the world. But aside from the number of bears, this special place is remarkable for another reason: its designation as a place where - aside from human safety - the needs of wildlife come first. Join Fish and Wildlife Technician Wilson Puryear to learn about the Sanctuary’s history, the ins and outs of its bear viewing program, and what to expect for those who may one day visit. Presenter Bio: Wilson Puryear is a Fish and Wildlife Technician with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Wildlife Conservation. He currently works as McNeil River State Game Sanctuary field staff during the summer months and as a bear and moose safety educator in the winter months. Prior to his work with ADF&G, he has worked as a commercial fisherman, and as animal care staff at both the Alaska Zoo and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
2025/2026 Lecture Series
Join us on second Wednesdays from October-April for a wildlife talk in the Alaska Zoo Gateway Hall.
We will stream the lectures on Facebook Live! Be sure you follow us on Facebook.
We are pleased to host the Wildlife Wednesdays Free Science Lecture Series at the Alaska Zoo Gateway Hall! Stay warm and enrich your knowledge of Alaska's wildlife. Join us this winter on select second Wednesdays from October through April in the Alaska Zoo Gateway Hall. Each talk begins at 7pm and covers a topic focused on wildlife of the Great Land - Alaska. The talks are approximately 45 minutes with questions and answers. Lectures are FREE to the public. Free refreshments available. ASL interpretation is available upon request in advance, reach out to us here if you would like to have an interpreter present (several days notice appreciated!).