Alaskan Brown Bears
Alaska is home to the largest population of North America’s largest predator, the Alaskan brown bear. In Katmai National Park, Over 2000 brown bear are observed in this fertile landscape where they can thrive on the abundance of sockeye salmon, sedge grass, and clams along the coastal waters. Brown bears come out of hibernation during the spring, many of which will instinctively make their journey to the world renowned Brooks Falls. It is here you will see upwards of 50+ bears each day hoping to catch the elusive sockeye salmon as they make their way upriver to spawn in the near by lake. Brown bears will eat upwards of 100 pounds of fish a day to prepare themselves for the coming winter months, all the while navigating a complex hierarchy of size and seniority amongst their like minded rivals.
Daniel had the opportunity to visit Katmai National Park and experience the brown bears in their own habitat. While just seeing brown bears is an incredible experience, this was nothing like going to your nearest zoo and standing behind thick panes of security glass. Walking in the very river these bears traverse like a highway to and from the waterfalls, a sense of anxiety, adrenaline, excitement and awe wash over you knowing this is their territory. Once the initial shock to the senses wears off, you realize you are experiencing one of the planet’s most fascinating mammals in their own element, at one of the most crucial times of the year for their survival. This gallery of beautiful imagery from Daniel’s time in Katmai National Park provide you a glimpse into the daily life stories of these bears, their interactions with each other, and what it takes to survive.
