Racer is a third year, male cub who still lives with his mother, Paula.  While it is common for cubs to be chased off into independence by their mothers during their third summer, Racer was still spotted with his mom, and still nursing, into September.  We wondered if they will also den together this winter.  We often commented on what an amazing advantage for a cub to be able to spend their whole third summer still under their mother’s care and supervision.  Racer is the only surviving cub in his litter, so he would also have it more rough than siblings who are able to pal around together, sometimes for years, after being booted from under their mother’s care.  There were obvious advantages to staying with mother for a third summer, like being able to nurse and eat fish caught by Paula.  Racer also was at an advantage by learning how to fish side by side with his mother who was one of the most proficient, successful fishers in Hallo Bay.  Paula and Racer were out in the river every low tide once the salmon runs began to arrive.   

          We grew especially fond of Racer, in part because he was so often out in the river fishing with his mother, so we got to spend a lot of time observing him.  I think the most striking trait of Racer was his focus and concentration.  Although his mother was giving him half of every fish she caught, Racer wasn’t lazy, nor did he leisurely wait on the banks of the river for her to deliver him lunch.  Racer stood in the river, staring for fish, chasing down fish, and practicing his fishing skills, for hours on end.  His focus never wavered.  He even would stand out in the river scanning for fish when all the other bears had given up due to the tide rising so high that fishing was now more difficult and inefficient.  That didn’t deter Racer.  I was amazed at the patience level of a young animal who was also very well fed.  Hunger wasn’t driving him, but rather his own sense of purpose and focus.  I really admired his tenacity and maturity.  It seems certain that Racer will grow up to be one of the most skilled salmon fishers, and I’m curious to see how he does on his own next summer. 

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