While shooting on an assignment in Katmai National Park Alaska, I saw this Katmai bear standing at the edge of the Brooks River. He had just caught a fish. These bears can range anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500lbs. and stand up to 10ft tall. If you look at the bears left eye, you'll see him looking directly at me. For the record I let him keep the fish. Smart move on my part when you consider they can sprint as fast as a race horse at 35 mph.

 

I have been to Alaska twice. Once on a 16 day birding trip which went Pribilofs, Nome, Anchorage, Seward, and Denali. Second trip was driving from Austin to Anchorage!!

The bears, Artic Foxes on Pribilofs, and Musk Ox north of Nome, and whales were my favorite mammals. Love the photo and makes me want to go back.

 

I have them come through the yard every once in awhile.....

 

Hi AK4Dave, I've been through your area many times. A great place to see bears, is where the Russian River empties into the Kenai River. When the fish are running it can get real crazy there. I've never fished that area but I've heard many stories. Fun watching the fisherman get their fishing gear out and than strap on a hand gun for protection.

 

Check out the nails on that guy. Friday the 13th- for bears.

 

Howdy.....I've fished the "area" many times but never there right at the Russian.....not into combat fishing. I also fish other places around where the salmon are thick so it naturally means bears. So I too carry a sidearm as well. Ran into a sow with 3 cubs last summer when fishing a tributary coming into Tustumena Lake.....which is not far from my house.

 

I think you mean "claws"......

 

That's a great shot! Lol at him staring at you with the left eye. Oh, and good call on letting him keep the fish, otherwise it would be you between those stakes he has for claws!

 

Walk up, give the bear a stern look and take his fish. Nothin to it right?

 

All that stuff about taking his fish made me think of this ad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0apHTUwmL4