Osso the bear nursing two of her cubs in 2025. Image: USDA Forest Service

While Fat Bear Week has come and gone, there is another group of Alaskan bears currently getting their due. The United States Forest Service team at Tongass National Forest are doling out the Anan Bear Awards to the 39 bears spotted at the Anan Wildlife Observatory in southeastern Alaska.

Black bear Goblin at Anan Wildlife Observatory Site dining on salmon. Image: USDA Forest Service.

Meet the Anan Bears

Tongass is the nation’s largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, including the capital city of Juneau. It is home to Mendanhall Glacier (a popular destination for Alaskan cruises ), numerous hiking trails, eagles, and plenty of bears. One of the hotspots is Anan Creek, which is home to one of the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska.

According to Friends of Anan , there are 39 known bears that feast on the salmon at Anan Creek.…