Alaska day 3, Denali Grizzlies

[grizz1]

This is the visitor center where myself and about 75 other people were pinned down by a large Grizzly. I was trying to get my camera out of the backpack when the Grizzly was about 200 yards away coming toward me at a very fast walk. The walk changed to a lope and at the same time Rangers shouted for everyone to go inside I was on my way. The bear then went over a steep bank and I thought he would stay gone so I hit the restroom inside leaving my camera with my wife. While on my short break the Grizz came to within 3 feet of the glass wall where my wife took a picture of a window sill, haven't let her forget that one yet.

So here is the fella that ran me indoors, cropped heavily as he was about 500 yards out at least. Took 5 pics of this bear in various poses, concentrating on his positions and actions hoping he would return. So just last night as I was editing photos the next picture explains my surprise,

Yep, there were two bears in this area and I only saw one when shooting the pics, just proves how careful you need to be in Grizzly country. And the second bear is larger than the first looks to me like. Asked my wife and friend what they saw and their reply was one bear until now.

[grizz1]

This pic is of a sow and one of her cubs, she had two. They were very busy eating berries, literally running from one bush to another. I did manage to get all 3 of them in one pic but didn't get it uploaded. The sow looked like she needed to put on some weight for winter, her fur looked a lot worse than the male bears we saw.  It was my understanding that the reason the Grizzlies are smaller inland such as Denali is the absence of fish. The rivers are mostly Glacier fed, full of glacial silt, and far from the Ocean so void of fish. The coastal areas have most of their waters full of fish  all through the feeding season and the bears get big so are called Brown bears, really same bear just different size because of where they live.

[Kt29]

Now thats quite the introduction to a grizzly.   He must have known you were coming.   Just seeing these two would make an Alaska trip complete.  Glad you were able to get a few pics of these two.  Even with the crops, these are some pretty nice pics of a fine speciman.   I can't wait to see more.  Nice job and thanks for taking the time to share these pics with us.

[grizz1]

Terry you are welcome and glad to share them, just hope they provide some enjoyment and not boring. Also if by chance they would inspire some of our friends to go there if possible, it is definitely worth any effort. I have some of my better wildlife shots still ahead but have been trying to work on them in order so I can keep on track and have my facts straight on where I was and the subject.
After being there with the Grizzly I have new found respect for those that went before us and hunted them with gun, bow and spear. They can really cover the ground fast and disappear so easy, a guy could walk up on one very easily and be in trouble before you knew it.

[Kt29]

Looking forward to all the pics you can post Steve.   Never get tired of seeing places like this, and your descriptions of the pics and the areas make just that much better.