06/08/2025
THE DESPERATE LEAP, AT BROOKS FALLS, ALASKA
—It’s easy feasting for the brown bears at Katmai National Park’s Brooks Falls. In order to reach their spawning grounds in nearby Brooks Lake, the salmon are required to make a desperate leap to clear this considerable hurdle. Those unlucky enough to make it on the first or second attempt may find themselves victim to one of the 80-100 hungry brown bears that frequent the area. At peak times, park visitors may witness as many as 50 bears at once, congregating at the falls.