I cast my lure upstream in the Chilkoot River, let it bounce down with the current, and reel it back in…over and over until a salmon or a dolly varden strike.
Ron “catching”
What a thrill to land one! Sometimes I catch the limit, other times nothing. That’s why they call it fishing, instead of catching.
Eagle “catching”
I watch eagles catch fish so big that they cannot fly away, and have to swim to shore with it. It matters little if I do not catch a fish. Simply being along the Chilkoot River feels like pristine paradise.
The Chilkoot River
Four times in the past week, a brown bear and her two first-year cubs came strolling down the shoreline. During our first encounter, I wasn’t fishing with my “head on a swivel,” and my eyes briefly met with mama grizzly’s eyes.
Can you see them coming?
She was about twenty feet away. I slowly back away, not turning my back to her. I make it up to the bridge, look down and watch her teach her kids how to fish. She’s much more effective at fishing than I. So are the Eagles.
Definitely can see them now!
Photographers and hordes of tourists on foot and in vehicles appear out of nowhere when the bears arrive. Hopefully they keep a good distance, and leave the bears a wide exit path. Otherwise, the bears get stressed, could get aggravated, or not be able to eat.
Ron trying not to be part of the problem
One professional bear photographer from Ontario says to me, “I’ll never come to Haines again. They allow people to kill bears here.” He shakes his head. “The penalty is less than a slap on the wrist.”
Mama teaching her cubs to fish
I partially agree. The “Chilkat Valley News” recently reported that a Haines resident was cited for three counts of violating hunting season, and fined $1500. He left the windows down in his truck which held bags of groceries he apparently forgot about. When a mama bear and her two cubs sniffed it out, he shot them dead on the spot. The reduced charges were a result of the man being “honest” about it.
Good stuff!
Just the other day, another Haines resident dressed up in a convincing brown bear costume. He harassed two cubs, and then scared the bee jeepers out of a family sitting in a car, by attacking the driver side window. Young children inside were traumatized. It may be humorous to some, but this man is still on the loose, and I’d love to unleash my bear pepper spray on him next time he’s in costume! Now, that would be funny.
Cubs taking a break for some fun on shore
When fisherman bring their coolers to the shore, and then have to scoot out quickly when bears appear, coolers are often left behind. This irresponsible behavior teaches bears to associate humans with food. Leave the cooler in your vehicle. The extra steps to and from are good for you.
Learning bad behavior
All these activities eventually lead to the bear and cubs being shot. “A fed bear is a dead bear.” Since our last summer in Haines three years ago, we know of at least three bear families that have met this lethal fate.
Wonder along the Chilkoot River
Our Ranger says that back in Valdez, when they have to euthanize a bear, it costs the community about $25,000 in lost tourist/photographer tour revenues. In Haines, that estimate climbs to $125,000 per bear because of the many visitors the bears draw. Of course, for Mare and I, and others who appreciate the unique wonder along the Chilkoot River, the loss of life has nothing to do with money.
Thank you abundant universe!
I continue to cast my lure upstream, and let it bounce down with the current in hopes of catching a fish. I take in the beauty that surrounds me, breathe fresh, cool air, and watch eagles dive for fish. When the bears show up, I make my way through the onlookers, look down at forgotten coolers, and say a respectful goodbye to the remaining bears. Hopefully, they will live and prosper and continue to amaze. Ron Mitchell
Luv the commentary and stunning pics! Looking forward to seeing Ron and Marilynn next month!
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you guys.
Looks like an awesome time thanks for sharing
My pleasure, Pilgrim!
Long live the bears! Thanks for sharing, fantastic shots too.
Whoohoo, Jill!
Just beautiful, Ron! So sad that some people are so ignorant concerning the bears!
Thanks, Vicky. Some folks are just unaware it seems.
What a life!!!! Keep posting. I’m traveling vicariously.
Come on along!
Love it!
What kind of fish are you holding in that last picture Ron?
Hello, Eric. That is a female pink salmon and will also use her eggs for bait!
Hello, Eric. Sorry for late response. Internet access is spotty out here. That fish is a female pink salmon. Will use her eggs for future bait as well!
I always love what you write, and normally I think “brr…how cold it looks.” But after our stifling 90+ temps this summer, Alaska is looking pretty good. Props to the photographer, too.
Such awesome bear encounter Ron! Not sure how I would react to bear that close:) Love you bear and eagle photos. And thanks for the pointer on bear safety, cannot be repeated too often.
That is too bad about the idiots with the coolest and the bear suits. That guy in the suit does deserve a good blast of pepper spray. We spent the summer in Gustavus/Glacier Bay. That is an awesome area. Are you headed back?
At this point, we plan to head back for another fantastic summer, if all goes well. We have a two-month venture planned for Australia coming in February! Happy trails.