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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Face to Face Grizzlies, Alaska, USA

Coastal bears at Cook Inlet

The spectacular scenery of Alaska, whales and grizzly bears. Three themes that make a trip to Alaska worthwhile. And, for Alaska fantastic weather with plenty of sunshine and only one day of rain. Mosquitoes - just a few and light-conditions, which delight the heart of a photographer.

The second part of the journey leads me to the Lake Clark National Park. On the coast of Cook Inlet,
live a number of coastal grizzlies, mostly mothers with their cubs and youngsters. From Anchorage, it is a one hour flight with an over forty year's old Super Otter. The flight is phenomenally quiet and with a virtually cloudless sky, the view is terrific.

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

The Coastal Grizzlies feed this time of year mostly in the sedge meadows or use the low tide to dig in shallow sand for clams. The bears find the clams, which are up to eight inches below the surface, with their fine nose.

 http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html 

 http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html
The sunrises and sunsets give a fantastic, mystical light. The days are long, as we often start a six in the morning and get back to the lodge after 10 PM. During mid-day however, the light is harsh, so we use this time for a siesta.

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html
 
http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

Since almost no males are in the area, the mothers move relatively careless with their young. Nevertheless, they are always on guard, because also another female could threaten their offspring. They nurse the young in the immediate vicinity of us, which shows that they are very accustomed to people.

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

The silver salmon run has just started. Patiently the old female waits for the first salmon. After a few failed attempts she succeeds and eats the first salmon from head to fin.

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html
 
http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

The encounters with the bears are diverse. Be it at the beach, on the meadow, the stream or at dawn on a bear trail. Sometimes from as close of less than 10 meters - but always with the necessary caution and with respect!

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html

http://www.rudolf-hug.ch/content/fotogalerie/Travel/Alaska%202014%20Lake%20Clark/index.html
More images:
Read also the blog:

2 comments:

  1. Very nice lighting especially the last image. And the silhouette shot with the mother and her two cubs.

    Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great images which capture the spirit of these large mammals within the stunning landscape of Alaska. It was good to share the experience of this trip with you in all it's complexities.

    ReplyDelete