Brown bear sightings have been reported at Blind River Rapids and other spots on southern Mitkof Island. (Joe Viechnicki/KFSK)

It seems like sightings of brown bears are becoming a little more common part of life on Mitkof Island near Petersburg. Hunters, hikers and photographers have reported the larger and more dangerous bears in numerous spots. One of the most recent encounters happened in early June at a boat ramp called Olsen’s Log Dump on the southern end of the island, just off Mitkof Highway. That’s where local resident Luis Silva had a brief and somewhat close viewing of a large bear. Silva stopped by KFSK this week to tell about his encounter and his advice for others to be bear aware in the great outdoors.