British Columbia Grizzly Bears

Nunitsiny:

Tsilhqot’in for “grizzly bear”

One of the greatest benefits of quietly observing wildlife is seeing their unique personalities shine through their actions and expressions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the cubs. Like a pre-adolescent child not yet shaped by societal norms and expectations, they seem to live with the joy and ease of abandon.

Cub Personalities

These two cubs have opposite personalities. One is constantly along the riverbank, cavorting and playing with rocks, sticks, fish bits, and grass. She is usually lagging further behind, comfortable in her independence.

The other is skittish and shy. He’s uncomfortable with this boat nearby. He’s watchful, stays closer to Mom, and repeatedly flees to the cover of the forest.

We saw this family most days and watched the shy cub becoming more accepting of our presence.

Another family consists of just two – a mom and a single, confident, joyous spring cub. This is an experienced mom.

While she knows where her cub is, she never looks back or waits on her short-legged, curious offspring. This cub inherited her mother’s status and roams widely, lagging behind in happy distraction.

Eating Salmon

Most of the fishing bears I watched on this river were scavenging dead salmon from the river bottom. Sometimes, that involved diving and staying under for impressively long times, but mostly, it involved snorkeling.

Bears don’t seem to like submerging their ears. What this situation lacks in running, splashing, and chasing is made up for in the close study of careful, precise disarticulation and intentional eating rituals.

Early in the salmon run, eager to pack on pounds, bears eat the whole fish. As the fish become more plentiful, the bears have the luxury of eating just the richest parts – the skin, eggs, and brain.

The rest of the carcass is left to feed the ecosystem scavengers (ravens, foxes, eagles) and nourish the soil.

We Are All One

Bears are built precisely for their survival needs: long, thick claws and muscular shoulders for digging up roots, grubs, and clams, sharp nails for holding slippery fish, and a thick, muscular body for walking long distances and swimming against the current almost faster than our boat will go.

They’re survivors in their dynamic, vast environment. When we leave them to the wild by containing our trash, keeping a clean camp, and being responsible with our livestock, we all thrive.

If you’re interested in purchasing or licensing any images you see here, please email me at SNewenham at exploringnaturephotos.com, and I’ll make it happen.

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