The Friends of McNeil River’s purpose is the preservation of the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary's bears, their habitat and to have a voice in its future.

The Friends are a diverse bunch – doctors, dentists, lawyers, writers, photographers, biologists, guides, teachers, pilots, and just plain outdoor enthusiasts. They all have something in common: they are concerned about the welfare of Alaska’s world-famous McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and its magnificent Brown Bears.