There are three species of bears that occur in Alaska - polar bear, black bear, and brown (grizzly) bear. Only the latter two are found in Southeast Alaska, and we were fortunate enough to see them both today. The larger brown bear (Ursus arctos) prefers open habitat, has a prominent shoulder hump, a concave face profile, small ears, and long claws. The one pictured in the inset was turning over rocks in the intertidal zone and eating whatever was found underneath. Another one was on a hillside feasting on ripe berries. The black bear (Ursus americanus) is usually found in forested areas, has a straight face profile, larger ears, and shorter, more curved claws. There are many subspecies that range in color from black to cinnamon to white. This one had just climbed out of the water after swimming almost a half mile across a channel in front of the Sea Lion.
Our day in the park started with breaching humpback whales before breakfast, and ended with a pod of killer whales (orcas) that interrupted our dinner. In between there were seals, sea lions, otters, mountain goats, bears, porpoises, many species of birds, and tidewater glaciers. There are many ways to experience the sights and sounds, as well as the more subtle aspects, of Glacier Bay National Park. However it is done, the experience is not readily forgotten.
