HEAD...Above Water !

Swimming in the very cold waters is a natural occurrence with Grizzly Bears , especially if the Grizzly is an adult male during Bear breeding season, in the "Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary" of Northern British Columbia Canada. This verdant valley is within a Temperate Rainforest where the bears congregate in the early springtime each year. Young and protein enriched grasses are to be had by these hungry bears , who have recently emerged from their winter dormancy period. The grasses are rich in nutrients and provide a much needed diet for these hungry bears. The capture here has been cropped small amount to reduce the grass foreground mostly, Some grass blades are still evident in bottom. This male was focused on a young female a short distance away and the water provided a fast route to her. I was in a Zodiac boat,with an excellent guide to provide safety to the bear and myself, while floating with the tide as this guy did his bear-stroke-swim directly across the bow a short distance ahead. The experience of being in the proximity of and hearing this powerful male bear Very-Focused, grunting and breathing hard as he navigated the estuary waters was "Real Life Experience" to always remember!!:)

Grizzly Bear ( Ursus arctos) in Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
Northern British Columbia, CANADA
Nikon D700 Nikon 200-400vr f4 lens in normal mode
Taken @ 400mm, F5 -.67 meter compensation
1/500 speed, ISO 2800
Mid morning, Rain, overcast
HandHeld while in floating Zodiac boat

Wild Grizzly, Not baited,Not lured or called in .

C&C Very much appreciated. ...The Large Version shows excellent detail

Bill