A Grizzly Bear digs for clams in Khutzeymateen Valley. The tidal range in the Khutzeymateen Valley when we visited was an astonishing 5.8m! At low tide Grizzly Bears spend much of their time digging for clams on the sand banks and mud flats. They are very adept at this as can be seen with this Grizzly Bear. Although clams are small the bears can eat many at each low tide. At high tide they will eat sedge. Great views as a grizzly bear digs for clams in Khutzeymateen Valley. But filming from a Zodiac can be a challenge!
The Khutzeymateen Valley is Canada’s only Grizzly Bear sanctuary and was established in 1992. At 39,000 hectares the Valley is 40 km north of Prince Rupert on British Columbia’s coast. It is thought the area is home to up to 60 Grizzly Bears. With its dense rainforest and high cliffs it is a magical place. For the most part the only sound comes from the many waterfalls that run down the mountain sides, through the forest and into the inlet. In May when we visited, the Grizzly Bears had not long come out of hibernation and they were fattening up on sedge and clams.