Bears are more than beauty, of course. They are wild animals. We have to be mindful of our human tendency to see them as less than they are--wild predators. In fact, grizzly bears are wild predators that are at the top of their food chain, a species to be admired and respected from a distance.
It was a special treat to see these bears in their element with the fall season changing around them, their shaggy fur also in transition, their foraging intent as they fattened up for winter months, their bow-legged gait passing over knee-high willows as if they weren't even there.
In the images below you are seeing (and imagining with me) this bear after he came down to willows near the road. He was higher on the hillside when we pulled over, but in a matter of minutes, faster than you would expect, and using an unhurried gait, he reached the stand of willows near the road. He briefly disappeared behind them.
I watched and waited, sensing, or maybe only imagining, that he was still there, foraging with his head down. It didn't matter that metal and glass separated us, my heart rate increased. While others in the vehicle were watching for his appearance ahead of us, my eyes were still scanning the willows. All at once he rose-up on hind legs, just enough for his shoulders and head to rise above the willows. There aren't too many things that could startle more, even though the bear was simply getting a better check on his surroundings. I gasped and barely got the words out--there he is!
Then just as quickly, he was down on all fours again, moving on. For an instant, I got a glimpse into what it must feel like to encounter a bear hidden by willows while hiking in the wilderness. This is the reason for the infamous chant, "hey bear, hey bear." Neither bears nor humans like this kind of surprise.
Don't miss the cool foot pad on his left hind foot in the image above.
You will love seeing what this bear does next!
Links and Resources:
Click this link to view all my posts on Denali National Park and Preserve. To see all posts on my visit to Alaska in the fall of 2012, visit Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve
Grizzly Bear
Bear behavior
Bear Safety
What fantastic colors!
ReplyDeleteWow Vickie, these are wonderful. How thrilling to be able to see them in the wild and while far away, still close enough to get some splendid captures~
ReplyDeleteOh, Wow! How exciting to be able to see this. You pictures are wonderful!
ReplyDeletewhat a beauty!
ReplyDelete