The high density of brown bears in parts of Alaska makes it a prime location to photograph these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. In many areas, the bears have grown accustomed to seeing people, allowing them to go about their business while largely ignoring onlookers. This presents unique opportunities for photographers to capture intimate images at relatively close range.
In late summer, coastal bears gather along streams, preparing for the winter months by hunting salmon as they swim upstream to spawn. These bears employ a variety of fishing strategies. Some stand still in the stream, waiting for the fish to bump into them, before pinning them against their legs. Others focus intently on the water, pouncing at any glimpse of a fish. Particularly entertaining are the younger, more inexperienced bears who gallop up and down the stream chasing the elusive salmon—favorites among photographers seeking action-packed shots.
In this instance, a mother grizzly caught a pink salmon as it made its way upstream in Katmai National Park. Her cub, watching from the stream bank, quickly waded into the water to share in the catch. The sow managed to take a few quick bites before the cub arrived and then relinquished her prize.
The cub began feasting on the back end of the salmon, but at some point, lost its grip on the fish. I captured this image just as the fish slipped from its grasp, the cub appearing momentarily surprised, almost recoiling as the half-eaten salmon fell toward the water. The cub quickly recovered and retrieved its meal, resuming its feast.