There is a saying amongst bear biologists and passionate bear watchers that goes something like, “if people can learn to live with bears, then people can live amongst people.” There are many histroic instances where this has not been the case, just look at my home state of CA. The last griz was shot in 1924, but you can still see it on our state flag. Look at the Polar Bear, a current bear situation that’s not going so well. Griz can roam over hundreds of miles or as little as 5 and in its brutal world, they still manage to live amongst themselves and when we’re not in the picture, do really well.
The top photo is of a 4-5yr old female out on the mud flats at low tide digging for soft-shell clams. The bottom photo is of an easy going 1100lbs male that just loved the water. We were incredibly fortunate to spend three weeks amongst these gentle giants, live amongst them on their terms so as to not effect their world. The worst thing to happen was a good cry when we had to say good-bye because you see, bears are just good for the soul.
I hope we all can just live together.
Photos captured by D3, 600VR on Lexar UDMA digital film