"Ursa Minor--Ursus Americanus on Summer Solstice" Ahh--my little "Ursa Minor" --but not the constellation, --the bear! (Ursus americanus). This darling yearling cub sat on a branch in the forest of the Kenai Peninsula National Wildlife Sanctuary on Skilak Lake Road, back-lit and gilded by the midday sun on the eve of Summer Solstice in Alaska (June 20, 2014). We were extra watchful when photographing this darling cub from the protection of our vehicle--as mom is undoubtedly close by! Irresistible! This was photographed during my annual "Magic of Alaska" Photography workshop and tour.
"Nose to Knows" This coastal brown bear (Ursus arctos) sow knows exactly how to have a mother-to-cub moment while teaching her cub how to fish in the remote (no-road access) waters of Big River Lake in Alaska. Accessible via fly-in float plane, we had some spectacular views of 10 bears in one day (June 2014) that were beyond amazing.... we have had so many special moments during this year's "Magic of Alaska" photography tour and workshop! Consider joining me for a future year's trip!
"On My Own" This 3-year-old coastal brown bear cub (ursus arctos) is on his own for the first time this year, after spending the first two years under the protection of his mother. Sows "kick out" their cubs typically during their 3rd year of age after tending to them until that point. This bear had to remember all he had learned about fishing, hunting, and "being a bear." This was photographed in Big River Lake, a remote (float-plane-only-access) lake west of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska during my annual "Magic of Alaska" photography tour and workshop.
