38 bears arrive to catch fresh salmon at Brooks Falls

Thousands of salmon were making their way upriver at Brooks Falls in Alaska, and that meant that the bears were going to be out in full force as well. As many as 38 bears were seen in one night.

The bears were spotted using specially designed and installed bear cams, which were placed in strategic areas so that viewers would have clear and unobstructed views of the bears in many different locations.

Thanks to those cameras, viewers can see families of bears walking the wilderness in and around the Brooks Falls area. In the spring, when this footage was captured, mother bears can be seen with their cubs.

Of course, most of the action took place on the water itself. Because there were so many salmon swimming upstream, there were ample opportunities for the bears to catch and enjoy a meal or two.

The bears could be spotted standing on the part of the falls where the salmon were making their iconic leaps. Unfortunately for these determined fish, that leap could hold unexpected peril.

It was a record-breaking season for the rangers at Brooks Falls. There were more bears spotted than in any other year. The historic night when 38 bears appeared at the same time will stand as the record for some time to come.

For nature lovers young and old, this footage of bears climbing into the water and catching their next meal is fascinating and endlessly engaging. The bears are living extraordinary lives in the wild, and it is entertaining to witness.