Description
Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, Katmai National Park and Preserve also protects 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.
On the Ultimate Alaska Tour, we saw this bear walking on the beach while anchored in Hallo Bay. We quickly got our gear and climbed into the skiff to try to get ahead of her and capture some pics. As we got to the beach, she was searching for clams, slowly working her way towards us. We got in place and she continued our way.
As the bear got closer, I could see her size, probably around 800 pounds, and noticed her claws, which were probably around 4-6 inches long, as she stared into my camera. I was literally frozen with awe as she passed close by.
This was the first Coastal Brown bear that I saw that trip, and many more followed. But this shot had such a personal impact on me, it was truly an amazing experience.
