48 REPORT OF ALASKA INVESTIGATIONS. 



"^NATURAL ENEMIES OF SALMON. 



It is necessary to study carefully all agencies, both natural and otherwise, tending to deplete the 

 supply of salmon and other food fishes in the waters of Alaska, and to apply as far as possible proper 

 remedial measures. Those engaged in the great fishing industry say the blame for the diminished numbers 

 of salmon is due largely to natural enemies, which include bears, wolves, eagles, gulls, terns, mergansers, 

 hair seals, trout, and sculpins. These enemies undoubtedly destroy enormous numbers of salmon and 

 their eggs. But this condition has gone on for years, and would continue without serious detriment to 

 the supply if it were not for the added drain resulting from heavy fishing now carried on in Alaska waters. 

 It is evident from close observation that man has had much to do with the waning supply of salmon now 

 apparent in some sections. Of course, this great natural resource was made for man's use, and we must 





■M&W? 





Waters tributary to Lake Bay. 



recognize, in every way possible, the fact that he has first claim and that the fish are there to be taken, 

 but properly and with discretion, so that the future supply will not be jeopardized. Under the present 

 head, however, it is the purpose to discuss chiefly the more important natural enemies of the salmon. 



*Bears. — We will consider first the bears, which do their greatest damage during the spawning season. 

 When the salmon are up in shallow streams seeking suitable places to deposit their eggs, these animals 

 haunt the shores, and with their huge paws slap the fish out of the water, first often playing with them, 

 and later perhaps eating a portion of them. This condition is worse in some sections of Alaska than in 

 others, due partly to a lack of other foods and partly to the condition of the waters. Also, bears are much 

 more plentiful in some parts of Alaska than in others. I should like to cite a few instances of actual condi- 

 tions as I saw them, concerning the destruction of salmon where they had not yet spawned. 



•At Union Bay, Cleveland Peninsula, I spent over a clay in and around the region of Black Bear Creek. 

 I walked the middle of the stream, also examining both banks for as much as 3 miles. I found the greater 



