This image was photographed during my 2016 trip into the Great Bear Rainforest.  I think the title of this image accurately depicts the image, as the Spirit Bear has the salmon in her “Death Grip”.  Not only is she clenching it with her teeth, she also has her claws clasped together and holding onto the poor salmon on both ends.  Since it was a pretty healthy salmon it put up a bit of a fight, requiring the Spirit Bear to put in a little extra effort for this meal.

The river systems in the Great Bear Rainforest attract Black Bears, including the Spirit Bear shot here, and Grizzly Bears, in the fall to help pack one the pounds by eating salmon just before heading into hibernation.  This Spirit Bear was pretty successful in fishing this day, and according to the guides had fattened up quite a bit over a one-week period.  Obviously her efforts were successful because we had the opportunity to photograph her again in 2017.

This image is copyright © Terri Shaddick, if you are interested in using or purchasing this image, or any other images on my site, contact Terri Shaddick at [email protected].

Taken: September 28, 2017
Location: Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia

Camera: Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Focal Length: 271mm
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 3200
Exposure: 1/640