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The is the last set of polar bears. It is not lost on me that the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in the wild is dwindling fast. A few years ago there were ~1200 bears in the region and the latest census is 800. Only 3 bear families were sighted during the 6 weeks the area was open for viewing. Years ago, it was not uncommon to see bears with triplets and now it is virtually unheard of. There are many reasons for their demise and none of them bodes well for a recovery.
So it was bittersweet the fleeting moments I spent with them knowing all to well that their species is facing extinction in my, or certainly my grandchildren's life.
The cages have been removed from Animal Crackers, Ringling Bros. Circus is no more but we still wontonly destroy what instinctively we should protect. The diversity of life is what makes our planet what is so interesting and exciting. Will our only memories be that of photos and song.
I'd rather be the gypsy
(I'd rather be the gypsy)
Whose camped at the edge of town
(Camped at the edge of town)
The one who has the dancing bear
That follows him around
And he lifts his big foot up
He puts his big foot down
And bows and twirls
And dances 'round and 'round
classic Eric presentation. How can one not fall in love with these magnificent bears?. Unfortunately it is sad, but true, that humans are the most dangerous animals. obviously, voted.
Another terrific set Eric. I love the subtle color so for the set the black and white louses a little for me. That said, 3 and 4 show the fierce mother bear as a gentle mom and I love that. In 8 the impact of the amber fur contrast to the white and blue is impressive and the few dead leaves add to this as well. Then there are the cubs playing at mom's side while she sleeps, simply terrific and my pick of the set. 11 is a great moment though something we've seen so many times so not as sailable. 13 and 15 show the cub starting to walk, remember those days... You last photo, 16 is another sweet image and while close to 8 I like 8 better. The video sounds cold.
We are going to have to build a wall, actually a few of them. Put a huge roof over the walls and add refrigeration!
Yes, the situation for a lot of wildlife is dire and polar bears & walruses are extreme endangered due to the warming of the arctic.
As usual I'm living vicariously though your wildlife adventures as I have for many years now. You're doing so many things I would love to do. My husband reminds me, I made a choice - we own horses
Enjoy & thank you for sharing all these amazing images with us
kdacharya wrote:
classic Eric presentation. How can one not fall in love with these magnificent bears?. Unfortunately it is sad, but true, that humans are the most dangerous animals. obviously, voted.
Thanks KD for your kind words and support once again...yes, it is hard not to love and at the same time feel sorry for these the largest land based predators. We may lean one day but it will be too late for many of those creatures.
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morris wrote:
Another terrific set Eric. I love the subtle color so for the set the black and white louses a little for me. That said, 3 and 4 show the fierce mother bear as a gentle mom and I love that. In 8 the impact of the amber fur contrast to the white and blue is impressive and the few dead leaves add to this as well. Then there are the cubs playing at mom's side while she sleeps, simply terrific and my pick of the set. 11 is a great moment though something we've seen so many times so not as sailable. 13 and 15 show the cub starting to walk, remember those days... You last photo, 16 is another sweet image and while close to 8 I like 8 better. The video sounds cold.
We are going to have to build a wall, actually a few of them. Put a huge roof over the walls and add refrigeration!
Morris...Show more →
Thanks Morris....I think the black and white do better when presented on their own. You are correct that something is lost when juxtaposed with the color ones. I tried to bring out different poses, emotions and behaviors and hope to whatever extent I could that was evident.
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KCollett wrote:
Lovely set Eric, but with a dire message. Unfortunately, the vast of majority of people really don't give a poop about nature.
Too true Ken, we are a selfish lot and many believe the animals were put on Earth for our benefit and use.
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Lil Judd wrote:
Eric,
another amazing set.
Yes, the situation for a lot of wildlife is dire and polar bears & walruses are extreme endangered due to the warming of the arctic.
As usual I'm living vicariously though your wildlife adventures as I have for many years now. You're doing so many things I would love to do. My husband reminds me, I made a choice - we own horses
Enjoy & thank you for sharing all these amazing images with us
Lil
Lil, life for me is all about experiences and I'm very lucky that I get to experience some of what nature has to offer as well as now being a professional grandparent....your horses must give you extraordinary pleasure and I would never sell that short for a minute.
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Tom In Arizona wrote:
Hi Eric...
Thanks for your wonderful photographs.
Thanks for your empathy and concern for the natural world.
Tom
Thank you Tom....it would be quite boring and sad absent the natural world.
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hnilsson wrote:
Well said, well captured.
Thank you my friend
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RolfJ wrote:
Wonderful as usual Eric. Thank you for these.
Thanks so much Rolf
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louie champan wrote:
Spectacular set Eric.
Many thanks Louie
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kwilliam8 wrote:
Another great set of images, Eric!
Keith W.
Thanks Keith....I hope we maybe run into one another soon.....it's getting to be that time you know
Some amazing photos of this family!!
Seeing the babies with their mom, I would be so scared the mom will be protective.
Yes, very sad future for the polar bears.
surfnron wrote:
Another super set Eric.The cubs are too darn cute, and the interaction with Mom is sweet ~ Ron
They are just like kids... they love to play, go at 100 mph and then pass out in a heap right on mom. Thanks Ron!!
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Imagery wrote:
Some amazing photos of this family!!
Seeing the babies with their mom, I would be so scared the mom will be protective.
Yes, very sad future for the polar bears.
Thanks so much...we were so fortunate to be able to spend time with them and enjoy their antics and affectionate behavior.
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kmunroe wrote:
love the big bears Eric
Thanks Kenny😀
They couldn’t get better than these. Eric, with each iteration of polar bear post you seemingly increase the level of cuteness and quality. And you are saving the best for last, aren’t you? YGMV!
