We spotted our first black bear from the raft, a dark shape moving confidently along the shoreline. It paused to sniff the air, completely unfazed by our presence as we floated by in quiet awe. The question, half-joking and half-wishful, made its way around the boat: “Can we pet them?” The answer, of course, is a clear no. As curious and calm as they might seem from a distance, black bears are wild animals with instincts that deserve respect. Watching it move effortlessly along the riverbank was a reminder of how wild and untouched this stretch of the Salmon really is. The best way to enjoy these moments is from the safety of the boat, camera ready, with no need to get any closer.
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