Tail slapping or lob tailing creates loud sounds above water and under water as well as providing a dramatic photo opportunity. It is said that orca may do this to relieve an itch, as their outer skin layer is continually sloughed as they swim. The growth of killer whale epidermal (skin) cells is about 290 times faster than that of a human forearm. Studies also suggest that killer whales are curious, with great tendency to “play” and to manipulate objects. The killer whales in our viewing area, the Johnstone Strait, rub their bodies along the pebbly bottoms of shallow bays or “rubbing beaches” located in the Robson Bight. It is assumed they do it for tactile stimulation, or it may help remove external parasites and their outer skin. The reason is secondary the sight is s spectacular.
The viewing platform used by Grizzly Bear Lodge after August 24th has water on three sides the forth side being the land access. This provides a natural setting for pictures and it also means that grizzlies are often fishing on more than one side. In the case of this photo the bear was in the natural river where many of the younger bears fish if there is a mother with cubs in the area that leads into the man made spawning channel. The mothers with first year cubs are very protective and young bears know it is not wise to “push their luck”.
