Pack Creek Update

As July comes to a close, both the Chum and Pink salmon are plentiful in Pack Creek. The bear viewing has been consistent with most visitors seeing several bears during the course of their visit. There is a sow with two spring cubs and a sow with a yearling cub that have been frequently observed fishing in the viewing spit area. The trail to the tower has been the sight of a few encounters with bears just off the trail feeding on salmon berries. Bears are actively feeding in upper creek with good viewing from the tower.

These two unrelated cubs have provided some entertaining viewing for many visitors. They both have an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm for wrestling and chasing each other. The smaller cub is a yearling and that's his mom in the background. The other cub is a two and a half year old female that was reluctantly kicked out by her mom at the beginning of this season. She struggled with being on her own for a several weeks, with numerous attempts to get back with her mom. The mom, however, was persistent in chasing her away and sending a strong message to her that she needed to embrace her newly gained independence. These two cubs engaged in some play behaviour last summer, but this season they've ramped it up a level, providing some really interesting and amusing viewing. The yearling's mom is generally tolerant and passively watches on as the cubs play. Though a few reprimands, in the form of growls, have been handed out to the older cub when things got too rough.

The two eagle chicks appear to be doing well and growing up fast. It is likely that they will be leaving the nest sometime in August.