On my way to the upper lake in kananaskis yesterday (see post below this one) I spotted a grizzly in the forest beside the road. I thought about stopping for a shot but it struck me she was heading to the meadow beyond the trees. I decided to take a risk on losing a 'dark and distant bear in the forest' shot, for a less certain but potentially better 'bear in the open meadow shot'.
I accelerated along the highway and turned right at the junction that would bring me to the opposite side of the meadow. I stopped, jumped out and and grabbed the camera bag from the back seat, quickly opening it and snatching out the 70-200 mm, the only telephoto lens I had with me today. I positioned myself and waited....and waited.....had I blown it? I was just about to go back along the highway to check when she appeared from the forest with the confident swagger of a 500lb beast in command of their environment. My heart was racing (as it always is when seeing a bear) when a smaller blonde bear appeared behind her, it was a cub, second year so almost full grown, this would be his last season with his mum before heading out to make his own way in K-country. It was a beautiful sight, truly beautiful, and as I watched, another cub ambled in, nonchalant with that "nobody can touch me with my mum around" gloat. They saw me, but as I was already there when they walked out of the forest, it was no surprise, and my inaction demonstrated I had no interest in harming them. They munched the grass and flowers in the meadow hiding behind trees and staying apart until they suddenly converged on one spot. the three of them on a slope in a gap between the trees and I had them, perfect. I fired off a number of shots until the female decided to walk down the slope to the small pond between us, and as she did the cubs followed along. They arrived at the pond in unison and, as if choreographed by yours truly, they all dipped their heads and took a drink simultaneously. I made three shots before the 'bear aversion team' arrived and began their work, to scare the bears away from humans in the hope of preventing aggressive interactions. Mum and the blonde walked slowly away, not scared but seemingly annoyed by the shouting, and firing of pepper shots from a paintball like gun, leaving the other cub still blowing bubbles under the reeds. After a few seconds he realised he was alone and ran to catch up the little bear train that made its way back into the peace of the forest. The aversion guys apologised for having to do their job but I know how necessary it is, and ultimately how it saves the lives of bears. We had a friendly chat about the area and the local inhabitants, and about how fortunate we are to have moments like this in our lives. The sighting was a genuinely wonderful encounter and one I will cherish. As always, kananaskis rewards those who would make the long journey to see its wonders.
4 Comments
Mum
28/5/2020 05:01:33 pm
How fortunate was that! Good pics, interesting difference in colours.
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Chris
28/5/2020 11:30:57 pm
Kananaskis always throws up a gift if you take the time to go out there, this was mine today. Kananaskis karma.
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Reg
7/6/2020 06:43:59 am
Just when I thought it was impossible for you to surprise me with fantastic shots of wild life in and around the beautiful country that is now your home you get these WOW is all I can think to say.
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Chris
16/6/2020 02:07:12 pm
WOW was my thought too Reggie 👍
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AuthorWe arrived in Calgary, Canada on 29th December 2011 to continue our journey. This blog is intended to keep our family and friends informed whilst we explore Canada.You can use the RSS feed below to stay updated. Categories
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