Second Summer Cubs

Second summer brown bear cubs, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

A pair of second year cubs playing on driftwood.  Few animals are as cute as first year cubs – sometimes called spring cubs, or cubs of the summer.  But, I often prefer second summer cubs – cubs that are basically a year and a half old as they are born in the den during the Winter.  Second summer cubs are almost as cute as first year, but are far more playful and entertaining to watch, as they are now brave enough to wander short distances from their mom.  But, when another bear appears nearby as one did here – they are quick to run back to mom!