Monday, May 24, 2010

Gratitude Monday - Baby Bear Edition

-photo by Mike Mayrl


We went for a drive out west toward the Banff Park gate on Saturday and were blessed to see the three bears. This is the young one who was about to cross the road. This was our second sighting of him (or her).
When we saw it earlier it was on the right side of the road and I was the passenger so I was closest. Within a few hundred metres, if that, we saw mama bear on the opposite side of the road, and a few hundred metres later papa bear.
Much as they scare me I enjoy seeing them. I especially enjoy the fact that I am in a running vehicle and can get away if they take exception to my presence.
I am grateful for the photos I took and Mike took, and I am deeply grateful that the black bear elders were okay with us photographing their offspring.

11 comments:

David Cranmer said...

Oh, my blood would be running quick but I'd love to have been there.

carla said...

wow.

that's all.

messymimi said...

Beautiful.

Nice to know, also, that if you leave wild animals alone and give them their space, they will usually return the favor and ignore you.

Leah J. Utas said...

David, it is quite a thrill.

Carla, that about sums it.

Messymimi, thanks. That's exactly what you do. Leave them be.

the Bag Lady said...

Great shot, cousin! I love seeing them, too..... as long as I'm in a vehicle.

Hilary said...

What a magnificent creature. Lucky you for this moment which you experienced, and lucky us for this memory which you shared.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great photo. I'd have freaked, but then maybe relaxed and just enjoyed.
Mary

Leah J. Utas said...

I'll let Mike know, Bag Lady.

Hilary, my pleasure.

Mary, thanks. I get freaked and stay freaked around bears.

Barbara Martin said...

I don't think you saw poppa bear, but perhaps another female. Mother bears tend to stay away from the males to prevent their cubs from being killed and eaten.

It's wise not to get too close to any bear as they can run quite quickly, up to 30 mph in a burst.

As a youngster I recall cars stopping on the highway in Banff Park and idiots actually feeding them sweet buns and whatever else they had on hand in their cars.

Leah J. Utas said...

Barbara, I've seen idiots in Mt. Robson campground all but slather themselves in honey to get the bear to come closer for a pic.

The Fifth Sparrow said...

Great pictures as always! I haven't seen a single bear at Banff in ages, let alone three together. Our last multiple bear sighting was in Terrace, BC.