To Bear or Not to Bear

Three Alaska brown bear (grizzly) families made an appearance each late afternoon/early evening to feast until there remained no appetite.     (Photo by Doug)

Red (sockeye) salmon during final spawning phase.  Because the salmon’s energy is depleted from a non feeding migration pilgrimage and subsequent metamorphic change it is easy picking for the plundering brown bear.    (Photo by Doug)
 
The Kenai Peninsula is a mecca for spawning Alaska/Pacific salmon, resident brown bear, fishermen, and visitors.  While Alaska’s short summer season is alluring to the adventure enthusiast  mid September is especially enticing.  During my recent adventure excursion colorful displays of autumn gold (leaves), spawning red (salmon), and shimmering grizzled brown fur (bear) were visually captivating.   Seduced by this ensemble of stimulating colors I attempted to add to the charm by casting for silver (salmon).  However, the number of spawning red salmon was  incalculable, leaving little space in the search for silver (salmon) deposits.   The clear river’s sub-surface appeared as a major freeway cluttered by rush hour traffic painted in red that extended beyond the limit of my view.   Additionally, an accumulation of scores of salmon carcasses carpeted the river’s bottom, giving witness to a successful sacrificial return “home”.   The shallow river provided easy pickings for several ponderous grizzlies.  In the photo above one of the eight furry fanciers of high protein on the fin saw plenty of red that was as good as gold.     -  Doug

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