Grizzlies waiting for?

Grizzlies in River

Mid-august and we are slowly moving up the river in a 5.5 meter (yard) skiff as the tide rises. We arrived from the Lodge after an hour and fifteen minute ride up scenic Knight Inlet where, on this day, we spent time watching a black bear and several bald eagles fishing. On arrival we tied to the floating dock and transferred to the skiff and cruised the shore before entering the river as the tide rose. As you can see from the photo these grizzlies are not interested in the action behind them they are focused on the salmon in the river.

 

 

Grizzly cub staying close

Grizzly and Cub

First year grizzly bear cubs tend to stay close to their mother in most situations but this time it became an issue. We are in the viewing platform on Knight Inlet’s Glendale River, which we use after August 24th to watch grizzlies. This side of the platform overlooks the entrance to the spawning channel where salmon gather and wait before entering the spawning area. It is also one of the best areas to pick up salmon that have been killed or injured by other grizzlies. Because of all of this cubs often get in the way when mother is trying to fish and are sent to shore sometimes by a growl and others with a slap. This one got the growl and waited on the bank for a salmon to be delivered.