Summary

Description

A relatively small number of unspawned salmon are taken by bear. Although the figures are not as exact as those of the Sulua Creek study, the number represents similar conclusions. This study brings out the fact more clearly that the vegetative feeding habits of the bears has an effect upon the number of salmon taken. In all studies, observations have shown that the elderberry and other berries ripen during the first part of August and this type of vegetative food shows predominately in the droppings of the bear by August 15. When considering the dates of the runs of salmon in the stream, there is only a period of about 15 days after the pink salmon are in the stream before the berries are suitable for food for the bear. Also, during this period the salmon are fresh and not as vulnerable to capture. After the fish become more concentrated in the stream and are not as fresh, they become more available to the bear, but the food habits of the bear has changed at least in part.