The salmon run is the most interesting time to view bears in the wild. The annual migration sees thousands of mature adult fish aiming to journey from the ocean to the upper reaches of their native rivers.
The migration is a spectacle in itself, with fish battling against fierce currents and leaping out of the water to negotiate waterfalls and rapids.
The event presents a huge feeding opportunity for bears living upstream. Skilled predators, each spends several daylight hours in the water intercepting fish.
Here we list the five best places in North America to see bears catching salmon. Bears are dangerous wild animals. Precautions should be taken when visiting bear country. It is most safe to observe them from designated viewing areas in national parks, or under the guidance of experienced tour companies.
Photo: USFWS Headquarters
McNeil River Falls – McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, Alaska
• Bears: Brown (grizzly) bears
• Best months: July to mid-August
Brooks Camp – Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
• Bears: Brown (grizzly) bears
• Best months: July and September
Photo: USFWS Headquarters
Geographic Harbor – Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska
• Bears: Brown (grizzly) bears
• Best months: August
Photo: deischi
Fish Creek Observation Site – Salmon River valley near Hyder, Alaska
• Bears: Brown (grizzly) and black bears
• Best months: July through September
Glendale River – Knight Inlet, British Columbia, Canada
• Bears: Brown (grizzly) and black bears
• Best months: September and October
Photo: jitze
Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park (British Columbia) in early October is also a great place to catch the salmon run, but bears aren’t as prevalent here.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Featured image: thaddselden)
