Caught on camera trap: brown bears feast on salmon – in pictures

The Brooks river is part of the largest sockeye salmon run in the world and flows from Lake Brooks to Naknek Lake, a distance of roughly a mile Photograph: explore.org

Approximately 2,200 bears live in Katmai. During July there may be 80-100 bears at Brooks Camp Photograph: explore.org

The bears eat up to 40 salmon a day Photograph: explore.org

Salmon runs come in waves that are influenced heavily by commercial fishing and government sanctioned 'escapement' policies put in place to ensure a thriving ecosystem Photograph: explore.org

Early in the season, bears eat the entire fish. Then after a few days they will high grade, eating only the most fat-rich parts: brain, skin, belly full of eggs, and the base of the tail. The lean, discarded remains are not wasted and are eagerly consumed by smaller bears, bald eagles, and even wolves Photograph: explore.org

Alaska brown bears are the larger coastal form of the grizzly, which can be found inland Photograph: explore.org

On days when lots of fish are jumping, there will be fewer bears because they are full and sleeping, and conversely, when the salmon runs are slow, the falls become crowded with bears competing for a meal Photograph: explore.org

The camera network was set up by explore.org, a project of the Annenberg family foundations. It is powered by a combination of solar panels, wind energy and battery packs Photograph: explore.org

The prime bear-watching months are July and September to October Photograph: explore.org

Sow and cubs. Bears are active 24 hours a day, though more so during the daylight hours Photograph: explore.org