Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Alaska Brown Bear" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card of the 22c Alaska Brown Bear issued on June 13, 1987.

Although several species of Brown Bears are native to a number of regions around the world, the largest of these - and indeed the world's largest living terrestrial carnivore - is the Alaska Brown Bear. Also known as the Kodiak Bear, these Bears may reach nine feet in length and weigh more than three-quarters of a ton. Preferring a solitary life, when spring arrives, these huge Bears shuffle along well-worn trails to salmon-rich streams where they feed after the winter's hibernation. Frequently, the Bears will quarrel over territorial fishing rights. After disputes are settled, they get down to the business of catching fish. Fishing techniques differ between individuals. Some Bears wade out among the fish and squat down so that the currenct boils over them, and when a fish passes by, an effortless head nod or paw swipe yields a meal. Others wait by the banks for fish darting close to shore so a powerful brown paw can pin it down. Still other Bears refuse to fish at all, preferring to sneak off with an unwary neighbor's catch.

Image Size: 13.5 x 18.25 in.
Overall Size: 17.5 x 22.5 in.
Unframed.
(B10955)

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17.5 x 22.5 in