I was teaching a photo class on the Mesa Trail maybe 1/2 mile up from the Chautauqua TH on Monday when we had visitor on the trail. Someone said "Bear", I thought they said deer - no bid deal. Then a 300 lb. black bear walked right in front of the class. Everyone handled it really well and calmly watched the bear head uphill and into the forest.
It's only the 2nd bear I've ever seen in the wild in all my CO wanderings. Pretty cool.
Thanks to Ellen, one of the students for this photo.
I miss black bears, used to see dozens out on the west coast, even one in my back yard!
I would have thought they said "Beer!" personally, and that may have cost me the shot. Good catch, Dave!
If you're going to see a bear in the wild this may be one of the best ways to do it: in daylight with a group around you and at a comfortable distance as opposed to surprised by one, predawn while alone on a trail.
Great story and image to go with it!
Were you able to get a better image of the bear after (before?) you took this one?
Your students sure got their money's worth on this day!
Very cool Dave. I still have never seen a bear in the wild and this would be a good and safe setting to see my first one. Now might be a good time to ask your class to fill out recommendations and feebdack forms
i ran into that same bear a little closer to NCAR on tuesday afternoon. she had a yearling with her. smaller, and much more brown. it was the first time i saw a bear in CO.
Discussion
16 repliesIt's only the 2nd bear I've ever seen in the wild in all my CO wanderings. Pretty cool.
Thanks to Ellen, one of the students for this photo.
I would have thought they said "Beer!" personally, and that may have cost me the shot. Good catch, Dave!
Were you able to get a better image of the bear after (before?) you took this one?
Your students sure got their money's worth on this day!