1808_2282 A Nose at Work
The World's Coolest Bear checks for salmon that may be trying to sneak past her to spawn upstream. Can they smell these fish through the water barrier? No doubt they can; their noses are amazing. And despite rumours to the contrary, their eyesight is not bad, they can spot salmon swimming upstream, especially in shallow water.
Given the popular view of Black Bears as roly-poly and lazy, to watch one in the wild is an education. Look at the musculature - muscles like water rippling beneath the fur. All lithe and agile and alert. If the salmon takes a wrong turn and comes anywhere near this predator, it's game over!
Photographed along coastal British Columbia (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2018 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
1808_2282 A Nose at Work
The World's Coolest Bear checks for salmon that may be trying to sneak past her to spawn upstream. Can they smell these fish through the water barrier? No doubt they can; their noses are amazing. And despite rumours to the contrary, their eyesight is not bad, they can spot salmon swimming upstream, especially in shallow water.
Given the popular view of Black Bears as roly-poly and lazy, to watch one in the wild is an education. Look at the musculature - muscles like water rippling beneath the fur. All lithe and agile and alert. If the salmon takes a wrong turn and comes anywhere near this predator, it's game over!
Photographed along coastal British Columbia (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2018 James R. Page - all rights reserved.