Witness the frenzy of the salmon run
You set foot on land, heart racing as both feet are on hard ground and ahead of you is one of nature’s greatest events. The water bubbles and pulsates with millions of salmon swimming against the current, grizzly bears are swiping with finger length claws either in the hopes of catching one of these tasty treats mid-leap and a bald eagle is circling above selecting its next meal. You stand on the same ground as the grizzlies, some of the biggest grizzlies in the world, as they fish, play and forage on the shores, putting on their annual show to fill up on protein before going into hibernation. This is a major event for the fish, the bears, the birds and the fishermen of Alaska, and you are slap bang in the middle of it.
Each year, the salmon return providing food, not only to the bears and the birds, but also the wolves, the killer whales back in the ocean and even the forest itself. This major event is unmissable to any wildlife enthusiast, whether you want to see the grizzlies up close and personal, fancy some bird watching or even a spot of fishing.
It’s also an excuse to visit one of the most beautiful, excitement-filled and active places in the world, Alaska.
In Alaska you can witness the salmon run via boat, viewing platforms or land vehicles, but for the most intimate and jaw-dropping experience, we offer the chance for you to walk among them, on foot. Similarly, you can experience this magnificent display in British Columbia in Canada.
Why
As with a majority of nature’s most fantastical events, there is still an element of mystery around the great salmon run, especially as to why.
The salmon are born in the rivers, where they spend their early lives, and as they mature their body goes through some changes allowing them to adapt to the salty water of the sea. During the changes they stick to brackish waters, waiting until they reach about 15-20cm in length before leaving the river systems completely, around Spring time.
The sea is where they spend most of their lives, usually about 4 years, building up their strength and body mass enough for them to be able to spawn. At this time, during the summer months, they start to work their way back up to the river systems, often finding their way back to the exact spot they were born. They fight currents, negotiate waterfalls and avoid predators, from eagles and bears to otters, finding their way home. Once they reach their final destination, the salmon that manage to spawn create nests, or ‘redds’ in shallow waters with their tails, where the males will deposit their sperm. The females will then cover this up with gravel before heading out to make another seven or so redds, or until they run out of eggs.
The fresh water leads to rapid deterioration of the salmons health and they soon die, leaving their spawn to follow the same journey. This magnificent journey provides food for the animals of the area and for the local fishermen.
