The bear pictured here is a female Kodiak brown bear. She is taking a break against a fish ladder, which is a man made structure designed to carry fish up a series of waterfalls to their native spawning grounds. Bears gather at high densities in areas where food is abundant such as salmon streams and fish weirs. Though brown bears prefer to maintain a solitary existence, they will tolerate one another in these areas. Food is so abundant on Kodiak Island, bears are more likely to move onto other areas to feed, rather than fight over a fishing spot. Art cards available of this image. Send e-mail for details.