Each summer, millions of salmon make their way from the ocean back up into the rivers and lakes of Katmai National Park and Preserve...

The Dash-and-Grab

Alaska, USA

Each summer, millions of salmon make their way from the ocean back up into the rivers and lakes of Katmai National Park and Preserve, ultimately spawning in the streams from which they came. This draws a multitude of brown bears intent on capitalizing on this wealth of protein and fat, which will help them through the long winter ahead. They employ a variety of techniques to help them take advantage of this bounty.

When salmon are concentrated, some bears use what has been termed the “dash-and-grab” method catch fish. These bears will station themselves in an area where the fish are plentiful, and at the right time will chase after a fish using their paws to pin them to the river bottom. This technique requires a substantial amount of energy, but can be very productive. Once caught, the choicest parts of the fish are eaten, before repeating the process. Bears can eat up to 40 salmon per day. Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

 « Wildlife  « Brown Bears 

Photo Prints

The Dash-and-Grab print
Select a print size:

Metal Prints

The Dash-and-Grab print
Select a print size:

Canvas Prints

The Dash-and-Grab print
Select a print size:

Acrylic Prints

The Dash-and-Grab print
Select a print size:
Email Dr. Edward Mikol about this photo