A Grizzly Bear cub in the Khutzeymateen approaches the edge of the water to get a drink while his mother watches from further up on the beach. I like how he keeps his eyes on us – you can even see the whites as he looks up at us while her drinks.

It is amazing how comfortable these Grizzly Bear Cubs were around us, given that we are among the first humans that they have ever seen.  I think a big part of that is how comfortable their mother was around us, because she wasn’t concerned they were learning that they shouldn’t be concerned either.

The Khutzeymateen is a magical place because it has been closed off to hunting, and also closed off to most except for a couple tour operators, so the only interactions these Grizzly Bears have had with humans have been passive, and positive.

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 contact@wildelements.ca.

Taken: May 31, 2017
Location: Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, British Columbia

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Focal Length: 340mm
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 1600
Exposure: 1/1250