Count salmon. Get paid. Expect grizzlies

The article focuses on the essential role of weirs in Alaska's rivers, which are critical tools for managing salmon fisheries. Workers stationed at these weirs play an important part in counting salmon, which helps provide valuable data for sustainable fisheries management. However, their work is not without risks, as grizzly bears are often present in the vicinity, posing a potential danger. The article describes how these workers must remain vigilant and prepared for unexpected wildlife encounters while performing their duties. This situation reflects a broader theme of coexistence between humans and wildlife in natural environments.

The challenges and responsibilities faced by these individuals highlight the importance of ecological stewardship and the need for effective wildlife management. As salmon populations face various threats, including climate change and overfishing, the efforts of these workers are increasingly vital. Ultimately, the piece underscores the intertwined fate of local ecosystems and the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods.