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Posted by Ballpark Frank (69.178.8.75) on 13:59:37 11/24/16
Back on August 6, Grazer, a female brown bear, was fishing for salmon at Brooks Falls. She was above the falls, and left her 3 cubs on the bank opposite the viewing platform, so she could go to the lip of the falls, and try to snag a salmon. The cubs, for whatever reason, just couldn't sit still while Mom went in search of lunch. One by one, each of them wandered out into the current, and were subsequently swept over the falls. Thankfully, the story has a happy ending, and there were no apparent injuries.
There are many videos of this event, some recorded by those watching via the live streaming web cam, others recorded by visitors at the platform. This particular video was doctored a bit by a fellow who goes by the web name of "Joe Bear". It adds a few captions attributed to the bears, and even a few voiceover screams. The first time you watch it, you might have trouble finding the cubs first emerging from the bank into the river, but that's OK. Concentrate on the overall drama taking place. You can always watch it again (like I did) to catch any nuances missed on the first go-round.
NOTE: While we do see some of the largest bears leap off the lip of the falls occasionally (or lose their balance and fall off while pursuing a salmon), Mom does the smart thing, and heads over to the easiest/safest way down, which is on the proximal side of the falls, close to the viewing platform.
Any moms out there, feel free to share your thoughts/experiences with your own cubs.
Ballpark
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