“Watchful mama bear Gemini wins 2026 Helicopter Mom Award”

Key points

• Tongass National Forest rangers awarded a brown bear named Gemini the 2026 Helicopter Mom Award.
• The award honors watchful, protective maternal behavior around prime fishing areas.
• Alaska brown bear cub survival is about 50 percent in the first year.
• Gemini has had cubs in 2023 and 2024, indicating ongoing motherhood.
• Anan Bear Awards are being given to 39 bears spotted at Anan Wildlife Observatory this summer.