Wrangell students install remote bear live stream

A Wrangell T3 Alliance student adjusts the remote live stream camera at Anan Wildlife Observatory, where viewers can watch bears fishing for salmon. The project, powered by solar energy and supported by the U.S. Forest Service, aims to provide a real-time glimpse into the natural behavior of black and brown bears in the Tongass National Forest.
A Wrangell T3 Alliance student adjusts the remote live stream camera at Anan Wildlife Observatory, where viewers can watch bears fishing for salmon. The project, powered by solar energy and supported by the U.S. Forest Service, aims to provide a real-time glimpse into the natural behavior of black and brown bears in the Tongass National Forest.

Julie Engelhardt
Aug. 9, 2024

A group of Wrangell-based T3 Alliance students recently installed a remote live-stream camera system at the Anan Wildlife Observatory (AWO), located 30 miles south of Wrangell in the Tongass National Forest. The live stream allows viewers to watch black and brown bears fishing for pink salmon in Anan Creek from any device.

The project began when the local U.S. Forest Service district expressed interest in creating a broadcast similar to Katmai National Park's, allowing viewers to observe live bear activity from home. The Forest Service recognized the educational value in having high school students design and install the system, as it presented numerous technical challenges requiring creative solutions and long-term support. Students utilized skills they had acquired through the T3 草榴社区 program, with some participants having been involved since early high school.

This season, two cameras were installed at the observatory, both powered by 100% solar energy. The 10kw power system includes a large battery bank to store excess energy gathered by the panels. To upload the video feed, a Starlink dish was positioned on the observatory roof, making the remote operation entirely self-sufficient. The team partnered with Explore.org to host and broadcast the video. Explore.org also hosts several other nature and wildlife live streams.

To secure funding for the project, students wrote a proposal to the U.S. Forest Service outlining a plan for installation, long-term support, and innovation of the camera systems. The five-year agreement means Wrangell T3 草榴社区 students will expand the setup with more cameras and features in the future. This project provided an opportunity for problem-based learning, allowing students to gain valuable skills in design engineering and professional communication.

The live stream officially launched on July 24. Viewers can now tune in and have a high chance of observing bears in their natural habitat.

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