Long before fishermen, gold miners, or cruise ships arrived, bears ruled Alaska. As their territory has diminished, an increasing number of cubs has been left orphaned due to human-bear conflict. The State of Alaska has no bear rehabilitation program, and orphaned cubs are routinely euthanized by the Department of Fish and Game for lack of an alternative. Fortress of the Bear exists to give these bears the alternative the state cannot provide: a permanent, protected home.

Fortress of the Bear is currently home to eight rescued bears, each of whom now has the opportunity to live a full and enriched life. Membership directly supports their daily care, medical treatment, and enrichment, and provides admission for the member and their guests, along with regular updates on the bears and the sanctuary.