Katmai National Park rangers are looking for entries for a bear safety pin that is handed out to visitors following a safety course/Rebecca Latson photo

Katmai National Park rangers at Brooks Camp routinely issue pins to arriving visitors upon their completion of “bear school,” a required safety orientation. This year, members of the local community are invited to enter their designs in a public competition for the 2017 pin—a first in the history of the 20+ year old Brooks Bear Etiquette Program.

The design contest deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, April 7. The winner will be announced the following week. In addition to the satisfaction of seeing their artwork reaching a wide audience, the winner will receive a set of pins.

The bear pin is awarded to any visitor who completes the mandatory bear etiquette training upon their first visit to Brooks Camp in a summer. The pin serves as a reminder of their training to each visitor, and is a visual confirmation to park staff that they have been trained. A limited edition colored bear booster pin is also awarded to visitors who exhibit especially responsible behavior around the bears.

“I may be new to the Alaska Peninsula, but I already love the creative energy of the people here in Bristol Bay. I’m excited to find ways for the park and the community to collaborate. I can’t wait to see what people come up with for the design of this wildly popular pin,” said Cathy Bell, the chief of the division of interpretation and education.

Over the years the bear pin program has expanded with increasing visitation. The pins have become popular collector’s items. More than 10,000 visitors were awarded pins last season alone, so the lucky design winner will have the satisfaction of seeing their artwork being proudly worn around town this summer.

Contest rules and entry guidelines are available at park headquarters in King Salmon (across from SAVEC). Submit design entries in person at the park headquarters 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online by emailing [email protected].