There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Two large male bears fight at Mikfik Creek in the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, AK.
I believe this fight is related to the bears' rank. These are two mature, high ranking, bears. The darker of the two bears is the bigger of the two. Rank is important in the bear world because it can allow access food resources and mates.
While fights do occur, most of the time conflicts are resolved through posturing (as you see at the end of the video) and don't come to blows.
What I find fascinating about this fight video is the behavior of the darker bear after the fight. He was the bear that attacked but he goes into a submissive posture at the end of the bout. As the blonde bear walks off he starts posturing again. I have no explanation but it is sure interesting to watch.
The McNeil River hosts one of the largest seasonal concentrations of brown bears in the world. Bears fish for chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) as the fish are forced to pause their upstream migration due to the falls.
This is the grizzly boar that I affectionately named "Ugly Guy," on opening day this spring. He is a beautiful bear but has a lower lip that hangs funny, making him look a little goofy. I fell in love with him on sight, so Raspberry chose a fine guy.
Yesterday, Raspberry often walked right along the top of the hill, as she was staying ahead of the guy, and he would eventually follow her path.
The courtship between Raspberry and "Ugly Guy," (if you will remember, I named him that earlier this year because his lower lip hangs weird, making him look like a bit of a goofball. Lip aside though, he is impressive and quite beautiful. Full of character.) continues.
This was an unexpected time with these two bears, but one I desired. This area is a long ways from home and I've had other obligations and so not been able to be there when the bears were out. Well, yesterday, after my tour ended, I found myself locked out of the house. The contractor went to make a key and get supplies and I was out in the cold. :) I was very tired and didn't feel great and so had planned to just park somewhere and sleep.
Well, an unexpected encounter with 815, Mini Mom, and people running after her and standing 10 yards away as they followed her, got me stirred up and looking for phone service. I said nothing to anyone, except to try and get out of the jam that had both lanes blocked, despite good shoulder space. People thought I was nuts to want to leave. I thought they were nuts to be running towards a bear and standing that close. No photos, I just had to get out of the situation.
So, I made the call and kept driving. Found myself looking at Raspberry and her beau, a good distance away and never expected them to come close. But, they did. And, they stayed close. Another situation with people way too close to the bears and blocking traffic. No rangers and people stood there when the boar walked within 5' of them. Others took their children to within 20 or 30 yards. I just stayed in my car and got some shots. Not my business - plus, it is too frustrating. Well, I got some great, close shots of both bears, from the car window, proving that one doesn't need to put the lives of their children at risk.
The boar did get upset at some people that were walking towards him, despite already too close, and went towards them. Then, he remembered his mission and headed towards Raspberry.
No one was hurt and I had an incredible time watching the bears.
The park service really does need people manning these evening jams. I go through several every night, all with people blocking the road and way close. I often don't call, knowing that there is no one to respond. Someone is going to get hurt, a bear will get killed, and bear watching will end. So scary.
06-27-2018, 09:42 PM( This post was last modified: 06-27-2018, 09:43 PM by Tshokwane )
Credits to Deby Dixon - Wild Wolf Photography.
Pelican Grizzly
Late yesterday afternoon, I came upon this bear diving for food in Pelican Creek. And, he managed to come up with a large elk leg assembly. Once the bear had a good hold of his dinner, he swam it to shore where he/she gave a lot of thrills to people who happened by. Then, this bear came through the forest and crossed the road. Not real shy but definitely cautious.
Anyone have any idea who this might be. I'm trying to decide if a young male or a female.
Brown Bears (Info, Pics and Videos)
