Leap of faith! Brown bear throws itself into a river in Alaska after spotting a salmon in the water - and emerges victorious
- Alaska Peninsula brown bear spotted while hunting for salmon in a river
- Photos show the moment the huge predator throws itself into the water to fish
- It is then seen emerging from the Alagnak River in Southern Alaska with a salmon in its mouth
This is the amazing moment a huge brown bear is caught mid-leap while diving into a river on the hunt for salmon in Alaska.
The Alaska Peninsula brown bear creates an almighty splash as it hits the water, then resurfaces with the fish in its mouth.
Wildlife photographer Kevin Dooley, 57, was taking a group of of fellow snappers in a boat up the Alagnak River in Southern Alaska when they came across the bear.
Determined: A huge brown bear is seen launching itself into a river in Southern Alaska to fish for salmon
Success: After going into the water, the large predator emerges from the river with a fish in its mouth
Mr Dooley said: 'The bears travel up and down the rivers searching for salmon.
'At this time of the year the sockeye salmon are running, swimming up the rivers to their spawning areas.
'The brown bears rely heavily on these salmon runs to prepare for the long hibernation throughout the winter months.
'As the bears mature they learn and become very efficient in their fishing techniques.
'This one was scanning the water, looking for fish. After locating one, it jumps into the water to catch it.'
Taking the plunge: The amazing photos of the bear's 'fishing trip' were taken by the Alagnak River
Splish, splash: The huge animal disappears into the water as it lands in the river
Dinner is served! The bear immediately resurfaces with a large salmon flapping in between its jaws
Time to eat: With dinner sorted, the brown bear headed back for the shore
The Alaska Peninsula brown bear, also known as peninsular grizzly bear, is the second largest type of brown bear in the world, and usually measure around eight feet from nose to tail.
Mr Dooley, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, added: 'It is the highlight of my life and my complete passion to photograph nature at its best and most natural state of being.
'While taking these photos I was in absolute amazement at the wonders of nature.
'I want to share with the world just how amazing nature is and the importance to preserve it.
'To give those who may never get to see it the opportunity to both enjoy and understand the importance of our wild places and the animals that inhabit them.'
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