In the spring grizzly bears come to the Glendale River estuary to feed on the sedge grass as it is up to 25% protein and the berries in the coastal forests are not yet available. At lower tides when more of the beach is exposed the bears will spent more time turning over rocks in the inter-tidal zone looking for food high in protein such as crab, clams, barnacles, amphipods and other tiny invertebrates. Much of a grizzly’s time in the spring is spent in search of food. This changes in the fall once the salmon arrive and food is more abundant. Spring grizzly bear watching is along the shore from the water while the fall viewing is from a stationary platform.
Fall Grizzly Bear Cubs

Although this is not the same mother and cubs from yesterdays posting the size difference is notable. This picture was taken two months later and the cub size is significant. The salmon have arrived in the Glendale River and the bears have moved up the river to the area of the viewing stands which we are permitted to use after August 24th. Mother grizzly bears catch and share the salmon with the cubs but on occasion they want one for themselves and often move to deeper water were the cubs have a harder time stealing their mothers catch. Although grizzlies are excellent swimmers the cubs have a difficult time swimming with a moth full of a salmon.
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