Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Alaska – Two salmon crusted with gray spots of decaying flesh and fungus swim quietly at the riverbed.

These “zombie fish” look strange but this is a normal part of their life cycle.

After a long, exhausting journey upstream from the ocean, salmon reach their spawning grounds weakened and falling apart while still alive.

Their bodies, worn from battling currents and predators, start to decay, filling the air with a strong fishy odor.

Within days, the salmon will die, leaving their remains to nourish their eggs buried in the riverbed.

This natural process is vital for the survival of the next salmon generation and supports Alaska’s river ecosystems.

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