Black Bear, Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, AK #3080

One of the most beloved and recognizable bears along Steep Creek in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is bear #25, also affectionately known by locals as “Nicky”. In this image I shot on Saturday, she catches a very large coho salmon in Steep Creek and brings it back to her two cubs. Two weeks ago heavy rainfalls brought a lot of coho salmon up the creek. This late fall run is so important for the bears in the Mendenhall Glacier area as it provides the last chance to fatten up for the long winter hibernation. Nicky got named by Juneauites for a noticeable nick in the top of one of ears. I have photographed Nicky along Steep Creek for 11 years now, and started following her in 2007.  She is one of the most productive moms in the area having raised eight litters since 2003 for a grand total of 15 bear cubs along the banks of Steep Creek…long live Nicky – Camera: Nikon D850, Lens: Nikkor 80–400mm, Digital Capture, hand held ©MarkKelley.com