Heading Out with the Stouts: And Then There Were Bears

Of all the animals that live in Alaska or any part of the Great North, the Bears are the most feared and sought after. There are Black Bears, Kermode Bears aka Spirit Bears, Polar Bears, Brown or Grizzly Bears and Pizzly Bears, the result of the union of a Polar and Grizzly. The Kermode Bear is actually a subspecies of the Black Bear. By far of all of these, the Grizzly is by far the one most sought after by tourists.

During the summer months, the Grizzly Bears are all about one thing, eating. They must eat and gain weight in order to survive the harsh winter months. They can be seen eating the young, tender grasses and flowers in the Spring, gorging on berries of all kinds in the Summer and of course, fishing for Salmon. There are lots of opportunities to view the fishing. In Hyder, the Forestry Service has build a boardwalk of sorts out to the Fish Creek viewing area where the bears are known to frequent. Blacks and Browns and even Kermode Bears can all be seen here along with Eagles and other birds hoping to get a free meal. Even the rainy weather we had experience since arriving in Hyder did not keep folks away from a chance to see the bears.

Here is a collection of bears for you to enjoy.

Come on little one, it is only a short distance further to the stream. I will teach you how to catch you fill of Salmon!

Everyone is eager for a meal. The bear is watching for a fish to come near enough for him to pounce on it, while overhead an Eagle watches for his opportunity to catch a meal. The Gull waits for a free meal of scraps left by both the Eagle and the Grizzly.