Mama Bear & Baby Bear

Gallery: WildlifePosted March 28, 2014262 views13 comments

Yearling Grizzly cub looking back to mom as she scours the area for intruders! She has twin cubs this season and they will remain with her until they are prepared to venture out on their own in a few seasons. As this female nurtures the twins and continues to lactate , she will not come into a breeding cycle. The grass shown here at low tide is filled with nutrients and protein to support her lactation as she eats her fill. Moms body has been depleted of stored fats while she wintered during their winter dormancy period and she is under some pressure during this time of year with roaming male Grizzlies looking to breed. She will defend the twins and keep them from harms way as best she can . This area of Northern British Columbia is protected from trophy- hunters in this 98,000 acres Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary , the snow covered mountains are evident with silver rivers snow melt!
Taken mid morning, Rain, overcast skies with little wind.
Wild Grizzlies, not Baited or called in.

Nikon D700 camera
Nikon lens 70-200 vr F2.8 Taken @ 200mm
1/200 speed, F7.1, ISO 200
Hand held for floating Zodiac boat
-.67 Meter compensation
..........................The large version has excellent detail!
C&C appreciated

Bill

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on March 28, 2014 at 12:40 PM

Wonderful animals cape. Love it.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on March 28, 2014 at 4:16 PM

Nice habitat shot of the bears.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 28, 2014 at 7:37 PM

Wonderful nature scape. The extra of having her reflection just adds another dimension. Well done.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on March 29, 2014 at 3:04 AM

Bill
Great capture of not only the subjects but their enviroment

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 29, 2014 at 9:53 AM

This is great Bill, I really like the way it captures the interaction between the two bears. You have captured a great sense of the beautiful landscape that the bears inhabit, nice sense of depth as well. The positioning of those two bears in the frame is rather critical I think, to get the balance and feel just right. I think this photo gets that right.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on March 29, 2014 at 12:33 PM

Outstanding Bill,
Well done . . .

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Andrew Sentipal on March 29, 2014 at 2:54 PM

Bill,

Love this environmental shot and the full description is very helpful. Love the grizzlies. Thanks for sharing.

Andrew

Registered on February 16, 2008, 200 Posts, 317 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 29, 2014 at 4:07 PM

This image shows the bears in their beautiful environment so nicely Bill, nice poses and spacing for the two as well, congrats.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on March 29, 2014 at 4:12 PM

Lovely catch of the two grizzlies interacting in a spectacular setting.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 29, 2014 at 7:30 PM

Great poses by both bears in this very attractive environmental photo.

Another Sweet Bear Photo Bill

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on April 4, 2014 at 8:04 AM

The timing of my encounter with the Grizzlies of the Khutzeymateen is well planned in advance . There are only very few
Photographers allowed to enter this pristine wilderness each season . The grasses are just emerging to allow the giant bears some much needed sustenance, short grass allows the bears to be seen fully and not hidden by tall stemmed grass as it matures during the season. Bears are coming down from the snow covered mountains as they emerge from their winter dormancy period. This female was sporting twin yearling cubs, but only one cub had gotten wet and met up with momma bear on the waters edge of the estuary waters. Personalities are unique to each bear and each encounter with this family of bears was different with momma bear always vigilant of intruders!
Thanks everyone for your feedback and encouragement .... Very much appreciate it and I really enjoy sharing my experience with the bears!:)

Bill

www.BillBickle.com

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on April 6, 2014 at 10:31 AM

thanks for the excellent feedback,..Really appreciate!!

I am away now for my annual Cuba Adventure!:) C U Later.

Adios

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on April 9, 2014 at 3:33 PM

Super bearscape Bill! Really decent poses on both bears and what a landscape. Dave

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments