Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Bear Watching in Valdez

From Bear Watching in Valdez
With record numbers of salmon, (a fisherman-friend later told me they had in excess of 4 million more salmon than expected) there is an excellent chance of finding a bear near the fish hatchery back in town.We weren't disappointed!

From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
This bear had so many fish, he was too full to eat them. We watched as he caught them, threw them down on the ground, proceeded to step on them to force out the eggs, lick up the eggs, and leave them for the seagulls.

From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
Notice the waters appear black with fish!

From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
The abundance of food is mind boggling. Even the sea gulls have had their fill. At this point they are only interested in fish eyes, leaving the rest of the salmon to the next predator. And the food chain goes on. . .

From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
On our return to Popeye, we stop to watch the breathtaking views and drive by the cemetery once again.

From Bear Watching in Valdez
From Bear Watching in Valdez
With good weather expected for tomorrow, we look forward to our trip to Prince William Sound.

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