Bears (8.13.15)

  

Kris's bear watching tour was much easier on body and soul than her first. A 1.5 hour speedboat ride took her to the Anan bear observatory, managed by the USDA US Department of Agriculture. It supports one of the largest pink salmon runs in SE Alaska and where there are salmon, there are bears. Everyone who goes to Anan is required to have a USDA permit. They issue 60 per day.

The small boat (18 passenger) ride was great.  This kid (captain) LOVES his boat.

 

We were issued instructions about what to take on the trail up to the observatory, and how to behave on the trail. Our gun toting guide lead the way and we followed in close formation (for safety).

 

 

Right beside our trail, the bears dig (like a dog) to find roots and tubers.

Yup … bears on the premises

The observatory is located in a narrow canyon with moss covered walls. The bears scramble over rocks and fallen trees

Let the viewing begin. It is such a treat to watch these beautiful animals in a super natural setting. The are constantly on the move and almost seem to have personalities as they interact with each other.

I'm so cute

Close but no cigar.

It's a head scratcher

Success !

Viewing from a river level blind, looking through the mist of the rushing river. This pair of bears seemed to be working together. The one in the water would catch the fish, eat the brain and the roe (apparently the best parts, then give the rest to the other bear. They repeated this process for an hour.

This girl was a particularly proficient hunter (you can tell by her girth) and she has never had cubs.

 

 

Retreating to a cave to eat the catch.

There were eagles all around, but we saw none approaching the discarded salmon carcasses.

Late in the afternoon, in a distant beach, we saw a family of eagles playing .

  Time to go back to Wrangell

Fun day with bears

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