Bears Beware! by Bindi Irwin

‘It really does sparkle like a jewel!’ sighed Bindi, marvelling at the view from the passenger window as the small plane began its descent into Kodiak Island, Alaska. The island was nicknamed the Emerald Isle for its stunning shades of green: pristine forests, green rolling fields spotted with wildflowers, sparkling mountain streams and crystal clear lakes.
    As the plane taxied into the terminal, Bindi could see her friend Katrina Anderson waving madly from the terminal window. The Anderson family had been friends of Bindi’s family for as long as she could remember. She didn’t get to see Katrina very often so Bindi was super excited about having an entire week with this adventure-loving family.
    â€˜Calling Bindi Irwin!’ shouted Katrina as she saw Bindi appear through the glass doors.
    Bindi laughed and dashed over to give her friend a giant hug. ‘It’s so amazing to be here.’
    â€˜We’ve got heaps of fun stuff planned!’ Katrina raised her eyebrows in emphasis. She had long ginger hair tied back in a plait and her face was dotted with the cutest freckles. Katrina had a love of animals to match Bindi’s, and was particularly looking forward to showing Bindi the gorgeous Kodiak bear, which was a major drawcard for the island.
    â€˜How are you, Bindi?’ asked Mia, Katrina’s mum, as she gave Bindi a warm hug. Bindi felt a pang of sadness that Terri and Robert weren’t with her. But they had stayed on in Oregon to catch up with family and this was her only chance to see Katrina. Mia and Katrina’s dad, Tony, ran an ecotour business on the island.
    â€˜I’m great, Mia. Thanks so much for letting me visit,’ said Bindi.
    â€˜Question is, where should we start?’ Tony asked with a twinkle in his eye. ‘If you’re not too tired from the journey, we have a trip on the harbour planned.’
    â€˜Awesome!’ cried Bindi. She and Katrina linked arms as they made their way out of the airport and piled into the minibus the Andersons used for their tours. She might havebeen on the other side of the world but with friends like these, Bindi immediately felt right at home.

    Hugged by the greenest of mountains on one side and the bluest of waters on the other, Kodiak’s beauty was breathtaking. From the boat Bindi had the perfect view; the little bays, harbour and the waterways were bustling with commercial fishermen, small ferries and even some yachts. Hopeful pelicans and other seabirds, lookingfor a seafood breakfast, followed the fishermen, watching eagerly as the men mended nets and baited crabpots.
    â€˜This place is so full of life!’ cried Bindi.
    Mia agreed. ‘I think you’ll find there are enough activities on the island to keep you and Katrina entertained, what with bear spotting and Russian forts to explore.’
    â€˜Russian forts?’ asked Bindi. ‘Aren’t we in Alaska?’
    Mia explained. ‘Russians colonised the Kodiak Island archipelago in the mid 1700s. Russian traders and merchants came to the area for valuable sea otter pelts. You’ll noticeexamples of Russian history and culture when we get to town.’
    Katrina took over. ‘We’re known best for our bears, of course, but also for fishing and whale watching. But don’t forget the volcanoes and glacial valleys! Most tourists come to admire the flora and fauna.’
    Bindi noted the emphasis on the word ‘most’. ‘What are the ones that aren’t admiring the wildlife doing?’
    Tony joined in the conversation, looking grim. ‘Hunting.’
    â€˜What kind of hunting?’ asked Bindi with a lump in her throat. She had a horrible feeling she wasn’t going to like the answer, no matter what it was.
    Katrina put an arm around her friend. ‘It’s a long and sad list – bears, elk, goats, deer, birds …’
    Tony clapped his hands together. ‘But the good news is