08/07/2026
Join us this evening to kick off Alaska Bearfest! We'll be hearing from Eric Johnston at 6pm, in the Civic Center, so be sure to grab a pal and come find a seat.
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Eric is in his sixth year at Katmai National Park, where he serves as a Bear Management Technician and Team Lead. Before joining Katmai, he spent five years working in bear management at Yellowstone National Park.
Since 2013, Eric has dedicated his career to working with bears across national parks, nonprofit organizations, and state wildlife agencies. His work focuses on helping people and bears safely coexist while promoting effective wildlife stewardship and conservation.
In addition to his work with bears, Eric conducts bald eagle research throughout Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska. He is currently leading field efforts in Katmai, capturing bald eagles for mercury and lead analysis to better understand environmental contaminants and their impacts on wildlife.
Eric is also a U.S. Army combat veteran who served in an Airborne Infantry unit. Following his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University. His diverse background in military service, wildlife conservation, and scientific research brings a unique perspective to his work and his presentations.
