Adorable Lazy Cub! Mischievous Baby Bear Tries to Hitch a Ride on Mom’s Back While She Hunts Salmon in Alaska

In a heartwarming and playful moment straight from the wilds of Alaska, a cheeky baby bear tried its best to cling to its mother’s back as she attempted to catch a slippery salmon in the river. Captured on camera, this adorable scene showed the young cub desperately holding on for dear life while his mother galloped through the water, more focused on her meal than her mischievous rider.

The scene, resembling a lively game of Buckaroo more than a predator’s hunt for food, was captured by keen photographer Lisa Sidorsky, during her visit to Katmai National Park. The cub’s persistent efforts to stay on its mother’s back brought a smile to those lucky enough to witness the interaction. Each time he was playfully tossed into the water, the determined little bear would climb right back on, refusing to give up.

Though the mother bear was clearly focused on catching dinner, she allowed her cub to engage in his playful antics, occasionally giving him a gentle “ticking off” before tossing him back into the river. As the young bear became a distraction, the mother, showing her maternal patience, would stop just long enough for him to clamber back aboard before continuing her hunt.

Sidorsky, who hails from West Chester, Pennsylvania, shared her excitement about the encounter: “The mom just wanted to fish, but the young grizzly kept trying to climb on her back. Every time he fell off, she let him back on, but always playfully tossed him into the water.”

She added, “What fascinates me most about bears is how their fearsome reputation contrasts with their real behavior. They are strong and powerful, yet also gentle, beautiful, and incredibly curious creatures.”

This playful bear cub and his patient mother remind us that even in the wild, family bonds and playful moments can make life a little more fun—especially when you’re trying to catch dinner.