Wildlife photography

photographing bears

A bear encounter is NOT AN AUTOMATIC PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!

When you meet a bear out on the trail you need to be concentrating on staying safe. Watch the bear’s body language and for signs of distress. If the bear seems to be ignoring you, it does not mean it is unaware of your presence. Stop advancing, use a ‘soft eye’, that is, keep your eyes on the bear but do not stare. If need be, back off slowly, speaking softly or move off to the side of the trail if the bear has simply been traveling in your direction. Anticipate the bear’s reaction to your presence and be ready to use your bear spray in case things escalate.

At home, watching and/or photographing a bear that is engaged in unwanted behaviour such as accessing human food, teaches the bear that it is ok to do so. Not only does this condition the bear to human food sources, but habituates it to feeling comfortable doing so in the presence of humans. This can eventually lead to the death of a bear.

Stopping on the road to watch or photograph a bear, unless done properly, could cause a bear jam, or block the route of a mom on one side of the road and a cub on the other.

Bear watching can be a wonderful, rewarding and safe experience when you travel with an experienced guide who is well versed in bear behaviour. Safely photograph bears.