At the lodge our style of bear viewing changes with the season. In the spring and early summer we spend a lot of time in the river estuaries as the bears feed on sedge grasses. As the salmon arrive, we spend more time up the river systems viewing the bears as they try and fill up on the high protein salmon. One food source that is available to the bears throughout our season is the intertidal. When the tide is out there is a huge amount of protein available in the areas of the coastline between the high and low tide line. Some favourites include shore crab, mussels, barnacles as well as eels and other small fish. Both Black and Grizzly Bears utilise this important food source. Whenever we are travelling (particularly when the tide is out) it always is a good idea to keep a keen eye on the shoreline.
Tag Archives: bear viewing
Black Bear On the Bluff
We always keep our eyes open for Black Bears cruising the beaches at low tide. Sometimes it also pays to look up. Black Bears are much sleeker then Grizzlies and have short claws, which makes them excellent climbers. In the late summer there are often salal berries growing on the rocky outcroppings, which the bears enjoy.
Another Successful Season Comes to an End
Another season has passed and it is time to start putting things away for the winter months. The grizzly and black bears are putting on last minute calories in preparation for their hibernation and the humpback whales are starting to head for their breeding grounds. Joe and I towed the dock out of Glendale Cove the other day and were blessed with an absolutely beautiful October day in Knight Inlet.
Patience Pays Off
This photo is taken up at Rick’s on the Kakweiken River. Sometimes the best approach to wildlife viewing is to find a good spot and wait quietly. Often this pays off and by remaining quiet and fairly still the bears don’t feel threatened and tend to go about their business. We keep out group sizes small at the lodge which we feel aids in lowering our impact on the animals.