Alaska 2007—Pack Creek: Part I

Pack Creek is at the north end of Admiralty Island, nicknamed “Fortress of the Bears” because of the high density of brown bears on this large island. Once the home of hermit Stan Price, who protected the bears in this drainage from hunters, the area is now known as Stan Price State Wildlife Sanctuary, jointly administered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Access is carefully controlled through a permit system, and visitors much adhere to strict safety regulations. Visitors may only view the bears on a gravel bar near the mouth of the creek or from a viewing tower above a salmon spawning area, accessible via a one-mile walk through the rainforest.

 
 

 

brown bear Pack Creek

At the viewing tower, this big brownie relishes in a salmon dinner. Note the roe spilled out over its paw.

(Note: head is not sharp because of head movement.)

 

brown bear Pack Creek

Munch, munch.

  

brown bear Pack Creek

Shake, shake.

brown bear Pack Creek

And sleep, sleep.

  

.brown bear and cubs Pack Creek

This mama bear, which the rangers have named Mocha, is great at catching salmon for her two cubs, which followed her slavishly, often emitting a "baaa" sound.

brown bear Pack Creek

This little bear, on the other hand, had been weaned from its mother after the first year—too young for a brown bear. The under-sized animal, now several years old, survives by stealing fish from other bears. It has also learned to use humans for protection, as most bears generally avoid people. Here she walks along a tidepool next to the viewing area.

  

brown bear Pack Creek

And she comes closer.

brown bear Pack Creek

And closer yet.

  

brown bear Pack Creek

She eyeballs the humans about ten feet from her

brown bear Pack Creek

She now realizes that maybe barging through a forest of tripods and noisy humans might not be a good idea, so she swerves.

  

brown bear Pack Creek

She plays coy in deep grass only a few feet from the human onlookers.

Close to the humans, she slowly sizes up the situation. Our Forest Service escort starts to be a bit concerned and asks the humans to pick up their gear and huddle together (bears can count and don't like large groups, like the seven or eight who were on the gravel bar at the time). Slowly she meandered away, seeking a salmon snack.

  

 

Det