Found this young grizzly on the Klondike Hwy about 60KM south of Dawson City. He was digging up the shoulder of the road looking for tasty treats...the light was coming from the wrong way. I got out of my car as shots from within had too much atmospheric disturbance. He was looking very peaceful and relaxed...
Paul Tessier wrote:
176mm I guess he was in a good mood.
Yes, he was at peace...bears are not to be feared...only respected...I observed him from the car for a couple minutes then got out with the car and the road between him and I. I walked and shot over my hood and then as he crossed the road I stayed behind my open door. I have been very close to bears in the wild many times....respect is the way to handle them and I've never had one go aggressive on me yet...that said I have my spray and my friend had his gun as he was hunting moose at the time so we weren't too worried. That said we would do everything to not aggravate him and everything possible to avoid shooting one. He didn't have his tags for bears so we would have to prove to the regulatory agency that we were in grave danger before shooting one. Of course that would never be the case finding one on the roadside but when we were hiking the day before an aggressive attack could always occur.
Great shot! It's not easy to capture good wildlife you see along the highway. By the time you slow down and pull over, get your camera out and pray the right lens is attached, the animal often takes off back in the bush. You often have to consider your own safety also, not so much from the wildlife but other vehicles.
arbitrage wrote:
Yes, he was at peace...bears are not to be feared...only respected...I observed him from the car for a couple minutes then got out with the car and the road between him and I. I walked and shot over my hood and then as he crossed the road I stayed behind my open door. I have been very close to bears in the wild many times....respect is the way to handle them and I've never had one go aggressive on me yet...that said I have my spray and my friend had his gun as he was hunting moose at the time so we weren't too worried. That said we would do everything to not aggravate him and everything possible to avoid shooting one. He didn't have his tags for bears so we would have to prove to the regulatory agency that we were in grave danger before shooting one. Of course that would never be the case finding one on the roadside but when we were hiking the day before an aggressive attack could always occur....Show more →
No worries, and I didn't mean to imply anything unethical. I photographed many bears so I understand very well the thrill of a close encounter.
Having never seen a bear in the wild I am quite jealous and the light is irrelevant when you can get that up close on foot. It is a bit comforting to know you had bear spray and a wee bit more firepower than that if needed. Lovely shots Geoff!
Eric
arbitrage wrote:
Yes, he was at peace...bears are not to be feared...only respected...I observed him from the car for a couple minutes then got out with the car and the road between him and I. I walked and shot over my hood and then as he crossed the road I stayed behind my open door. I have been very close to bears in the wild many times....respect is the way to handle them and I've never had one go aggressive on me yet...that said I have my spray and my friend had his gun as he was hunting moose at the time so we weren't too worried. That said we would do everything to not aggravate him and everything possible to avoid shooting one. He didn't have his tags for bears so we would have to prove to the regulatory agency that we were in grave danger before shooting one. Of course that would never be the case finding one on the roadside but when we were hiking the day before an aggressive attack could always occur....Show more →
Always good to have bear experiences. A bad grizzly picture is still exciting. Grizzly are always more exciting the birds. Birds wont' kill you. I adds to the excitement.
I have never had any luck near Dawson City - the bears are used to being shot at and are wary - unlike the south. Every time I come upon them, they run for the trees.
But my experience is that a gun is not as effective as bear spray when a bear attacks. By the time you lift the gun and shoot, the bear is on you. Whereas the bear spray gives you the confidence to stand your ground and 90% of the time, its just a bluff. And the other 9%, its just a few bites. And the 1%, you could save your gun for yourself.
DonGut wrote:
#1 image is OK with that harsh light and the leaves. Much different look than the typical coastal bears we see here.
Don
Thanks Don....this weekend I'm driving my new car up from YVR to YXY along the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy and hoping to see the coastal browns and white Kermode on the way....if I nail both, it will be an awesome 3 day drive!!
---------------------------------------------
shekarn64 wrote:
Man, I would be shaking if he gets that close and need a VR to control myself! Wonderful shots!
If this was a fully grown grizz, I would likely have stayed in the car....but this guy was just too cute and relaxed so I ventured out for some proper shots.
---------------------------------------------
Steven Campbel wrote:
Great shot! It's not easy to capture good wildlife you see along the highway. By the time you slow down and pull over, get your camera out and pray the right lens is attached, the animal often takes off back in the bush. You often have to consider your own safety also, not so much from the wildlife but other vehicles.
Thanks, yes usually they bolt but this one was enjoying the paparazzi. Another vehicle stopped and took some iPhone shots also.
---------------------------------------------
raymondjbarlow wrote:
Excellent shots Geoff - Sorry we won't find this species in Ecuador in November... mostly small and colourful birds!
Really looking fwd to this coming tour., everyone's flights are set.
Don't worry Ray...I don't need to see Ecuador bears....I'm much more excited about hummers and other colourful species...I'm just glad I get an extra 1/2 day on you guys....you will have lots of catching up to do
