The Great Bear Rainforest
Jun 28, 2021 08:33:49 #
Going back in my archive to September, 2010 and a trip to the Great Bear Rainforest on the coast of British Columbia and off-shore islands. Access is by plane or boat only. We flew into Bella Bella and boarded the Island Roamer, a 68' sailboat for a trip north up the inland passage to explore the world's largest, coastal, temperate rainforest. This was an ecotour with 12 passengers, two guides, a captain, a first mate and a cook. The focus of the week long trip was wildlife (Grizzlies, Black bears, Whales, Eagles, Wolves, etc.), also to meet the First Nation people and learn about their history and culture, the natural history of the area, and of course to see the stunning scenery. We went during the rainy season when the salmon would be running, but we weren't salmon fishermen. We were hear primarily to see the rare and seldom seen Komode Bear as they emerge from the impenetrable rainforest to catch the salmon coming up the rain swollen streams and creeks.
The Komode Bear (Ursus Americanus, Komodei) is the white phase of the American Black Bear and is the result of a recessive gene. Their total number is around 400. They exist only in the Great Bear Rainforest of B.C. with a little overflow into the Alaskan panhandle. Due to their low number and the dense rainforest, they are virtually impossible to see except during the salmon runs. There are none in zoos. The native legend tells of their ancestors, and a time long ago when the land was all white. The Great Spirit deemed that every tenth Black Bear would be born white to remind them of that time.
The Komode Bear (Ursus Americanus, Komodei) is the white phase of the American Black Bear and is the result of a recessive gene. Their total number is around 400. They exist only in the Great Bear Rainforest of B.C. with a little overflow into the Alaskan panhandle. Due to their low number and the dense rainforest, they are virtually impossible to see except during the salmon runs. There are none in zoos. The native legend tells of their ancestors, and a time long ago when the land was all white. The Great Spirit deemed that every tenth Black Bear would be born white to remind them of that time.
On the first day out, sailing north in Milbank Sound. This was the only time we sailed as the rest of the trip was in the inland waterway and we motored.
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Grizzly mother with her second year cub in the estuary at Mussel Inlet.
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Gulls in the estuary at Mussel Inlet.
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Reflection in Sheep passage.
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Temperate rainforest has the highest biomass per acre of any ecosystem. It is so dense that hiking was essentially impossible except on established bear trails and that was difficult.
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Hiking in the rain at the Khutz River Estuary. After two gorgeous days the rain was welcome to fill the creeks and streams so the salmon could run up.
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The First Mate watching for whales in the rain, as we head north up McKay Reach.
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When you first see a Komode Bear emerge from the dense rainforest, its popular name "Spirit Bear" has real meaning. It is very much a spiritual experience as you realize how fortunate you are to see this rare creature.
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We were accompanied to Gribbell Island and Riordan Creek by a guide from the Gita'at Nation. We were fortunate to watch two Spirit Bears and a regular Black Bear come and go for three hours.
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Just before we were ready to leave this one caught a salmon.
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Jun 28, 2021 08:38:20 #
Jun 28, 2021 08:38:20 #
PS - A chart showing our course up the Inland Passage with overnight anchorage and other stops.
Jun 28, 2021 08:39:10 #
Jun 28, 2021 08:39:44 #
Jun 28, 2021 08:51:46 #
Jun 28, 2021 09:17:34 #
Jun 28, 2021 09:37:58 #
Terrific experience, John, and you captured the scenes marvelously!! Thanks for sharing!!
Jun 28, 2021 09:51:34 #
John from gpwmi wrote:
Going back in my archive to September, 2010 and a ... (show quote)
John, Looks like a fun and rewarding photo experience. Stan
Jun 28, 2021 10:32:43 #
Jun 28, 2021 11:40:25 #
What a fantastic trip, John! Thanks so much for sharing your excellent photography and narration.
Jun 28, 2021 11:41:43 #
Jun 28, 2021 13:05:45 #
John from gpwmi wrote:
Going back in my archive to September, 2010 and a ... (show quote)
All good, but that last shot is a real keeper! Nice work.
Jun 28, 2021 13:35:50 #
Jun 28, 2021 14:09:29 #
Wow, fabulous set, John. The downloads are beautiful, especially the amazing white bear photos. Thanks for sharing the story also.
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