Camp Update: 05.31.10 by Brad

Camp Update from Brad:
Good News and Bad News…

Around mid-morning yesterday, Brad was out doing some work around Camp, while our guests were settling in, when he heard an airplane (not ours) circle low over the Camp area. He tried to raise the aircraft on the radio, but there was no answer. Brad went out to the point (by mailbox) and was looking around for the plane that was possibly in trouble, as that is what a low flying plane over Camp usually means. Upon reaching the point, he spied a mother moose and her newborn calf nearby on the beach. The plane came in for a landing (never contacting Camp) and the pilot/guide hurriedly proceeded to lead his three passengers across the beach toward a bear they had viewed from the air. Brad did not yet see the bear. Next thing Brad knew was that he was practically between the bear and mother moose, with the bear being herded toward the moose by the unsuspecting group of people. Then the bear saw the moose calf and headed toward it and the fight was on. Mother moose put up a very good fight, knocking the bear down three times. Unfortunately, the calf did not survive and the bear had its prize. The Laws of Nature can be severe – but it is made more so by the stupidity of humans. This was a completely unethical code of conduct by this unprofessional pilot acting as a guide, and we will not report here on the air service that caused this unfortunate incident, except to note that this is the second time this week this company has done something in disregard of common sense and ethics. Hallo Bay's naturalist guides have the highest concern for your safety, as well as respect for the wildlife they may encounter. We are not here for the cheap thrill – we are an advocate of Leave No Trace, and treat with the greatest respect the last remaining wilderness areas of Alaska.

On a more positive note, Brad stated this morning that the wolves were serenading Camp during the night. At breakfast, another wolf howled nearby and Brad went to the Mailbox Point and observed our white wolf off in the distance moving through the meadow. It is good to hear that our guardian of Camp has been spotted again this year. Right now Brad is leading guests for a mid-morning trek around the area, and promises to send some photos later.

Latest Denali Park news:
Backpacker shoots, kills grizzly in Alaska park
A backpacker shot and killed a grizzly bear with his handgun in Alaska's Denali National Park, officials said. (read more)
NEW on June 1:
Man facing charges in bear cub's death at Lake Tahoe
mercerynews.com

We hope you are all enjoying this Memorial holiday
and remembering to honor those
who gave everything
so that we can enjoy our freedom today.