Where Tech Meets Tracks: Anan Live Bear Cameras Online

High school students from across Alaska traded their classrooms for the forest this summer, joining T3 Alaska’s Tech Meets Nature program—an immersive experience where wilderness and technology came together in powerful ways.

Based in Wrangell, Alaska, the students spent several weeks at the edge of the Tongass National Forest, working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and local organizations around the Anan Wildlife Observatory. Last year, students installed a live video feed at the observatory capturing the renowned bears feeding on salmon. This year, the crew brought this camera back online and installed two additional camera locations.

The challenge was a great opportunity to bring classroom tech, safety, and career skills together. Students successfully installed the camera system and picked up practical STEM skills—like solar panel wiring, electric conduits, streaming technology and connecting with Starlink. They learned boating and electrical safety techniques.
The program was successful and is currently streaming live video at explore.org showcasing the region’s iconic bear population!

As one student put it: “We didn’t just learn about nature—we became part of it.” And in doing so, they helped shape not only their future, but the advancement of conservation, one bear sighting at a time.

This program has been built with strong connections to create an environment in which they have the tools and confidence to care for their communities. Funding and support from University of Alaska Fairbanks’ T3 Alaska and Upward Bound programs made this possible.

Anan Wildlife Observatory Forest View powered by EXPLORE.org

Anan Wildlife Observatory Fishing Hole 4 presented by EXPLORE.org

Anan Wildlife Observatory Creek Fishing Hole 3 Tongass National Forest powered by EXPLORE.org