Despite what some media outlets may have you believe, 85% of the diet of the grizzly bear is vegetation, NOT human flesh! Given this, it’s strange to note that grizzly bears are actually very inefficient at processing vegetable matter. That is, most of what goes in through the chompers, passes through the out-door looking much like it did when it went in. For that reason, you don’t need to bring in a team of forensic analysts to determine what a grizzly bear has been eating. As they say, the proof is in the pudding! In order to counter this, grizzly bears have become skilled dieticians, moving throughout their home range in predictable patterns eating what is most seasonally bio-available and consuming massive quantities of veggie goodness.
However, it’s no secret that for the vast majority of their waking days coastal grizzlies simply bide their time, munching bland sedge appetizers while daydreaming of better days ahead when the main course will swim in. At that time bears are packing back up to 60,000 calories per day in preparation for bedtime! Consider this: that’s the equivalent of 110 Big Macs! It’s no wonder our springtime desperate housewives become the fall fat-bottomed girls that classic rockers Queen once sang about.
It’s anyone’s guess as to the exact timing and strength of the salmon run for any particular year. In the past, the date has fluctuated somewhere between late July and early August. It’s for that reason that both Lenore and Bella have expressed some concern as of late because they have yet to observe any significant numbers of salmon staging near the river mouth in preparation for the home stretch of their migration. And it’s not just our alpha girls either. In recent weeks, the Cove has played host to at least three new families all seeking the same favourite comfort foods of caviar, salmon skins and fish brains. So in the meantime, let’s all keep our paws crossed for these single moms just trying to pay their way in this brave new world…
Grizzly bears and black bears, deer and wolves, eagles and an amazing array of seabirds, there’s always something to see on a Tide Rip Grizzly Tour!!!
We depart at 0700am daily from historic Telegraph Cove bound for the spectacular Knight Inlet by covered water taxi, complete with onboard washroom. Cost starts at $319 per adult for this all day excursion and includes a light breakfast, healthy lunch and knowledgeable Guides.
Please call toll free 1.888.643.9319 or local 250.928.3090 to book your grizzly bear tour.
Great article and keep them coming! 2 more weeks and getting very excited when reading these short stories.
Who writes these articles? They are fantastically interesting, makes me want to go on ANOTHER trip this year. As if we weren’t spoiled on our trip — mating bears, swimming bears, and such personable guides! Best adventure ever – and I’m 65!