Bear wins award for eating salmon under waterfall

A black bear in Alaska's Tongass National Forest has been honored with the 2026 Shower Beer award for its unusual eating habits. The bear was seen eating salmon under a waterfall at Anan Creek.

The U.S. Forest Service team at Tongass National Forest noted the bear's behavior, comparing it to the 'ursine equivalent of the shower beer.' They highlighted the bear's ability to eat without creating a mess or needing to move to start fishing again.

The Anan Bear Awards are being given to 39 bears spotted at the Anan Wildlife Observatory over the summer. These bears are part of a larger population that includes 31 black bears and eight brown bears.

Anan Creek is known for its large pink salmon run, which attracts bears from across the region. The bears return annually to feed and teach their cubs how to fish and survive.

According to Friends of Anan, 39 bears are known to feast on the salmon at Anan Creek. These bears, like those in Katmai National Park, have distinct behaviors and routines.

Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States, covers most of southeastern Alaska, including the capital city of Juneau. The area includes Mendanhall Glacier (a popular destination for Alaskan cruises), hiking trails, eagles soaring above, and plenty of bears.