Category Archive

Sea Otter off shore from Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Back from another Alaska bear and puffin photo tour – my sides have just now stopped hurting from laughing so much – it was such a fun group!

I know, this isn’t a bear.  It was actually one of the most cooperative Sea Otters I have photographed, taken on the day we went to the puffin rockery.  We had huge numbers of puffin, by far the most I have seen, and even a Peregrine Falcon.  Unfortunately the weather was a bit tough as this has been one of the wettest Summers in Alaska, but that didn’t detour this tough group who’s efforts were rewarded with some unique bear opportunities.

I don’t have any new bear images to share.  Along with some experienced photographers, I had a couple of somewhat new, very passionate photographers in the group, and I found it far more rewarding helping them acquire bear images then adding to my extensive collection.   Thanks again to the group for making it such a fun trip!

Brown bear sow with cub from my this past June during my Alaska bear and puffin photo tour.

I pre-scheduled this as I’m currently on another Alaska Bear photo tour – this image was from my June tour.  I wanted to get this out as we now have our 2015 Alaska Photo Tour schedule available.  My Alaska bear photo tour was one of four featured in Time Magazine, the only one of the four in North America.  These trips usually fill fairly fast, so don’t wait long.  If you have any questions, let us know by phone or email, we are more then happy to answer questions.

Bear cub on mom’s back, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

This was from my bear tour last month – very cute!  Well it looks cute, but in reality it was up there because it was afraid of a nearby male.

Looking for clams, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

A sow and a couple of cubs on the hunt for clams last month at Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Brown bear cubs, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Nothing like using your sister as a pillow!

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!

Spring brown bear cub on its mom’s back, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Wow what a great trip!  Really fun group of people, perfect weather, and get this – 5 sows each with their own set of first year cubs, and two more sows with a second year cub or cubs!  Wow!  A boat trip to view puffin, and an exploration trip up the Johnson River capped off a wonderful week!

Four of the sows with cubs were there when we arrived, and consistently gave us great photo opportunities including my long time favorite bear, Pavlov (more on her later).   One day in the middle of our trip, 3 more sows with cubs were spotted on the same day!  These new families were a bit more skittish and couldn’t always be located, including this mom with cubs.  This sow was noticeably uneasy hanging out in an area with so many other bears, and when she got nervous, one of the cubs would almost always jump on her back making for very entertaining viewing and photography.

Thanks to the mild Winter and warm Spring, I thought it could be a good year – I’m glad that prediction came true.  If you want in on this amazing year, because of a recent cancellation, I still have two spots for my August trip:  Alaska Bear Photo Tours.  I know it is last minute, but I would really prefer to bring two more passionate bear viewing photographers, and be able to refund deposits then the opposite, so if you have any questions, please let me know!

Brown Bear cubs from last June’s trip, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

I’m excited to be heading off on a bear tour early tomorrow morning.  I’m always excited for my bear tours, but this trip I’m extra excited for a couple of reasons.  First – I know it can change, but I’m hearing reports that 4 of the first year cubs from last June are back – hopefully these two are among them.  And, I’m hearing reports of a new set of Spring cubs!  First year (Spring) cubs are so cute because they are so small, but second Summer cubs are better photo subjects since they are still really cute, and far more active and playful.  Sounds like this year we might have the best of both worlds!  Speaking of this, due to a recent cancellation, I still have two spots for my August Alaska Bear and Puffin photo tour.

I’m also excited as I have traveled with everyone on this trip in prior years, so for me, it is going to be like getting together with old friends!

The day after I return begins a private Alaska photo tour.  Then begins the July 4th weekend, so there may not be any activity here for awhile.  See you on the backside hopefully with lots of great bear stories!