Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Alaska Brown Bear" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor 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 Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Brown Bear/Alaska stamp issued 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 aggressive Bears wade out among the fish and squat down so that the current boils over them, and when a fish passes by, an effortless head nod or paw swipe yields a meal. Others prefer to 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. One of the most unpredictable and dangerous animals man can encounter in the wild, the Alaska Brown Bear is, nonetheless, a stirring sight. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B10607)