Bear on the Somass River
For most of the year bears are not seen on the far bank of the Somass River. But from mid-August to late October this is the best place to see Black Bears on Vancouver Island. They are commonly seen on low tides at the mouth of the river on the far side from the city. The bears are attracted by salmon in the river, especially dead ones. And, in turn, people are attracted to the near bank of the river to see them. It is not unusual to see groups of people sitting on the park benches sipping their morning coffee while they watch a bear or two patroling the far side of the river. It is quite safe as the bears don’t take any notice of the people. And even if one did, and went after someone, that person could be in the car and driving away before the bear got close.
Patroling the mouth of the Somass River looking for Salmon
These shot swere taken around 7:30 this morning. The bears have just started showing up on the Somass. Today is the 19th of August.