Quiet Moment
by William Bickle
The Khutzeymateen grizzly bear sanctuary is a very special place to me.
The mountains were still covered in the deep winter snow. The valleys were magnificent sites with waterfalls of snow melt cascading down the slopes.
Khutzeymateen in Springtime, As I was presented with this Spectacular Wild Female Grizzly. Her Twin Yearlings are in Background out of site. She was at ease with my presence and not threatened While perched on this fallen log showing off her 5" Claws that had grown all winter to this impressive display. The claws like all bears do not retract and will wear down in length during her clamming and foraging in the warmer season. It's breeding season in the Khutzeymateen and she is looking-Out for Bear intruders. Her keen sense of smell & hearing will warn her of these intruders. It Was Very Cold during this time of year with Glaciers melting into the estuary and breaking off with the tide and floating with the tide like Mini Icebergs. But I was So Pumped did not even notice the Constant All Day cold rains. The tide is out and shoreline debris is available to climb and navigate. This mature Female Grizzly did not appear to have gripping issues with the slippery log.
Amazing Bear Interactions were watched with amazement and we learned so much from Brad on this amazing Adventure.
Subject: Grizzly Bear Mom ( Ursus arctos horribilis )
Location: Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in Northern BC Canada
The Bears are Wild and Not contained
Camera: Nikon D 700
Lens: Nikon VR F2.8 70-200, @ 200mm. HandHeld in Floating Zodiac boat, VR normal mode
Exposure: Manual, F5.6 with -.67Meter Compensation & 1/320 Speed, ISO 320
Crop: about 75% of Original size
Natural Light, Not Baited, Not Set-Up, Not Lured-In.
Thanks for looking
Bill
Comments
9 commentsI could think of a lot of "critics" who would find the rather untidy logs as very distracting, wheras they actually reflect the real wild, nature is rarely tidy.
Nice pose, with great reflection
Hello Don. Thanks, Appreciate.
Ken & Rick ....yes.. some would like a clean Non obstructed view... But 'it is what it is" in this case, with fallen trees . rocks, lichen, saturated colours.
Really Appreciate the Feedback
Bill
the surroundings are very wild , with fallen submerged trees along the shoreline when the 25 foot tide is out. Was very fortunate to see many of the wild grizzly bears over a few days in a varied backdrop , as was presented to me. The surrounding environment with angular branches and tree truncks were favorite places for the bears to pose sometimes.
no baiting was used , just good luck with a good dose of patience!!
realy enjoy all the feedback.
Bill