Did you know that brown bears (Ursus arctos) can be picky eaters? Based on the availability of salmon, brown bears will optimize their energy intake by either focusing on the most energy-rich parts of the fish or eating more of each fish they are able to catch. During bountiful times, bears will selectively eat the eggs of female salmon and the brains of male salmon.

Sketch contributed by Melissa Jones. Fact contributed by Adrian Perez.

[Edited by Adrian Perez]

Source: Gende, S.M., Quinn, T.P. and Willson, M.F., 2001. Consumption choice by bears feeding on salmon. Oecologia, 127(3), pp.372-382.