Title: Bear Eats You #7: Sweet Success

Collection: Sometimes the Bear Eats You

Artist: Blue Jay Way

Edition: 1/1

Location: Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

I am Blue Jay Way, and I connect with the beauty of nature and wildlife through photography. My photos often raise awareness of conservation efforts and the impact of our personal choices.

Sometimes the Bear Eats You is a collection of photos of about a dozen Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears gorging on salmon in late summer 2021 at Brooks Falls, in Katmai National Park. Thousands of salmon are running up the river and leaping tall waterfalls in their instinctive drive to return to their spawning grounds. The bears’ survival depends on them fattening up to survive hibernation. They will go for months without eating during the harsh Alaskan winter. Without enough fat reserves, they will die. The river is teeming with salmon, so food is plentiful and there is little friction between the bears. This collection explores their social interactions, their different methods of fishing and the dynamics of watching one generation of bears pass their knowledge to the cubs. I also saw the salmon trawlers competing for fish in the sound. This collection is a powerful reminder of the direct line between our seafood choices and the survival of this magical ecosystem. What would happen if there were fewer fish?

An Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear enjoys the sweet success of catching a salmon. Proceeds from the initial sale of this bear will be donated to www.akwildlife.org. You can help protect Alaskan Wildlife by visiting www.akwildlife.org and by choosing reputable sources for your salmon.

Extended Editorial License: Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants as long as it is attributed to “BlueJayWay.eth”. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.