Who Enjoys Salmon?

Fishing always has challenges. In Alaska, this comes in the form of a large black (sometimes brown) animal with an "I'm bigger than you" attitude problem!

A 7 month old baby grizzly bear

This cutie was photographed at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center south of Girdwood. Grizzlies (otherwise known as brown bears) stay with their mum for up to 2 years whilst she teaches them how to hunt and fish. This specimum already stands taller than me and is many multiples of my weight! You can well imagine the size of mama bear! Their favourite diet this time of year is salmon. As they fish the same rivers as fishermen, the prudent angler always carries pepper spray. My can was inspected at customs, but I was permitted to bring it into Canada as long as I used it only for its intended purpose!

Willow Creek, just off the Parks Highway

Merrie and I met a young fisherman at Willow Creek (actually quite a big river) who carried a pistol in a holster on his chest. He told us that he had turned around suddenly the previous day and got the shock of his life to find a black bear within arm's reach.

An American Bald Eagle

Bald eagles also love fishing for salmon. Fortunately they are much more tolerant of other fishermen!