Grizzly Bear Viewing Main> 2010 Aboriginal Spring Grizzly Bear Tour
April 15th through June 15th, 2012
Most perceive that when seeing a grizzly bear, it shall be chasing salmon in a river or stream. This is the case, but on the south coast of British Columbia, this does not happen until the salmon enter the rivers in mid August through into early winter. An animal of such a large size does need considerable protein each day, so estuary's and beaches are one of the best places to find the bears in spring through early summer.
Tom likes to joke that often the grasses of some estuaries' have grizzly bears as thick as cows grazing about in a pasture. This is true to some extent, for one day over a half dozen bears were seen out at one time. During the spring, especially when they first wake up from hibernation, one of the main staples for bears is grass and fresh shoots. They feed here usually through the high tide, which offers great opportunities to get the boat close for your viewing experience.
At low tide, bears like to head to the exposed beaches for the smorgasbord that is presented. Barnacles, urchins, eel grass shoots, and sand fleas are surface foods along with anything that may have been washed in with the tide. Rolling over rocks or logs, the bears expose small crabs, eels, ghost shrimp, sea bugs, and other items rich in protein. Using hunting skills Tom learned, he is usually able to get the boat very close to the feeding bears upon the exposed beach's. You will often see black bears as well, for they share the same territory as grizzly bears.A few years back, some scientists measured the amount of protein exposed at low tide in Burnaby Narrows, up in Haida Gwaii. It was found that one square meter of beach at low tide had the highest concentration of protein found anywhere on earth! The beaches of our region are very similar, so it stands to reason why our bears get so big, and why we see so many during lower tides each day. The spring bear tour is also one of the best ways to explore our region, and who knows what else you may see? Aside from bears, one may also see wolves, deer, elk, mink, seals, sea lions, and occasionally a cougar is spotted..
Tom knows many of the locals that choose to live out in the semi-isolated regions that our boats tour through. He has numerous haunts to bring people to see grizzly bears, and this usually entitles interacting with the locals, as you witness the bears. You still get to see the bears in their natural environment, but one may find themselves enjoying the company of home-steaders, fish farmers, loggers, commercial fisherman, resort operators, and First Nation food fisherman, as you view the bears.
One of the best ways to find bears, is to use the V.H.F. marine radio that all locals monitor. They most often announce to our captains that a bear has come out of the bush where they are. It gives us a greater chance of spotting more bears, and also gives the locals a chance to chat with visitors to the region. Known as the Moccasin Telegraph, it is also a way to catch up on local happenings as Tom and the locals chat about stuff of the region. One never knows where you are going to come across a bear? This grizzly for example, decided to swim out to a float house and do some exploring as well.
There are so many things that one may see during the Ma-rine Grizzly Bear Tour. Best of all, one will get to see the bears up close doing what has been natural for them for thousands of years. Tom will ensure though, that everyone aboard the vessel will also learn about the First Nations perspective to these beautiful giants of the animal Kingdom.
This tour will leave daily from the dock in Campbell River, and there may also be tours based from Sayward. If you want Tom to be your captain, then be sure to mention this when booking with Discovery Marine Safari’s.
ABORIGINAL SPRING GRIZZLY BEAR TOUR
APRIL 15TH THROUGH TO JUNE 15TH, 2012
$220.00 PER PERSON - $190.00 PER CHILD
6 HOURS
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LEAVING CAMPBELL RIVER AT 8:00 A.M. or 10:00 A.M. (depending on low tide)
Picnic lunch of sandwich, cookies, fruit, veggies, bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate all supplied
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To Book your Tour CONTACT: Tom at 250-203-1338
Book early, for this is a very popular tour due to the aboriginal
cultural component.
