Himba village, Nambia, October 2021
Fellow Alaskans,
Channel 2 News, KTUU.com is running a story about this bear and the recent closure of the Rodak Nature Trail at the Eagle River Nature Center on their 5pm & 6pm broadcasts today and will be using my images. If you're able to tune in, please check it out. It will should be on their website & Facebook page in the near future as well.
Cheers,
Colin
Outside of Alaska, people often ask if I am afraid to live in such close proximity to bears. Honestly, I find comfort in the fact that these creatures still exist and I cherish the notion of such large predators roaming the expansive wild that is Alaska, my home. I couldn’t imagine living anyplace else and not having this allure surrounding me. By choice, I do not carry a firearm when I hike. That is not a statement against guns, simply my decision not to carry one in the backcountry.
Of all the different species that I have photographed since I first picked up a camera nearly 20 years ago, I have spent more time with Alaska’s brown/grizzly bears than any other animal. Only on a few occasions did I ever feel there was a clear and present danger, despite being so close to one of the world’s largest and most powerful predators, yesterday was one of those instances.
Over the past few days, I have watched this bear’s behavior become increasingly aggressive toward people viewing her while she is fishing. She appears somewhat desperate with winter approaching, trying to pack on as much weight as possible before denning. Most of the salmon she picks up are dead and decaying and after a few bites, she moves on to find another, apparently hoping it will taste better than the last. Just one week ago, while leading a fall photography class, she didn't pay us any mind as we observed and photographed her going about her business for more than an hour. Since then, on more than one occasion, she bluff-charged at us (myself and a fellow ERNC volunteer) as well as Nature Center visitors while we were on the viewing decks.
Yesterday evening I walked down to the smaller deck by myself in hopes of once again taking advantage of the opportunity to photograph her before she seeks higher ground for winter slumber. When she appeared, I immediately sensed that something was awry. My heart was beating loudly, as if I felt her exasperation. She followed her normal routine of splashing around in the creek and trying to pounce on live salmon. As usual, she picked up a rotting fish to gnaw on but quickly lost interest, at which point she seemed more intent on acknowledging my presence and asserting her dominance. She walked closer to the deck, which sits on a slope overlooking the waterway. The front of the deck is only about 5 feet off the ground with a wooden rail and open at the back, offering no protection should she decide to pursue. As she approached, she turned her gaze toward me and started walking toward the deck, following the footpath that leads around to the backside. Initially, I was expecting her to bluff charge, as she has done recently, but when she locked her eyes on me it no longer felt like a bluff, this time it felt real. She continued toward the deck until all that separated us was about 20 feet and the wooden handrail. I slowly back pedaled, saying “Hey bear” in a calm voice until I was out of her field of vision, at which point she turned and walked back down to the creek and I breathed a huge sigh of relief, my heart pounding inside my chest.
As a result of the bear’s recent behavior, Chugach State Park has closed off the Rodak Nature Trail and the viewing decks until further notice. While I am disappointed in the loss of this wonderful photographic opportunity, this is the best decision for both the bear and visitors to the Nature Center. With her growing intolerance of humans, it could be a matter of time before she decides to attack somebody she sees as a threat to her fishing grounds.
Hanging out in my backyard, Eagle River Valley.
Fall colors & fresh snow, or "termination dust" as Alaskans refer to it, dusting the mountains of Eagle River Valley, October 1, 2015. I was out at this spot twice last week to get a photo of the valley in autumn to complete my four-season collage. I wasn't entirely happy with what I came away with so after the rain and snow let up and the skies cleared, I hiked back out to Dew Mound today to give it one more shot. I'm much happier with today's image, the white-capped mountains add a dramatic touch that conveys the changing season and impending winter. I will post the collage as soon as it is complete and add it to my online store as well.
I've been making the most of my time with this little bear, knowing that soon she will be heading to her denning area higher in the mountains. As fond as I am of her, she seems to be getting a bit defensive over her fishing grounds. Bear that in mind (pun) if you're out this way and be sure to give her plenty of space.
Do you mind?? Just trying to enjoy eating a spawned-out, decaying salmon over here!!
Today I had the unique opportunity to photograph this young brown bear during a period of wintry weather. While it was tough on my hands and gear, the results were spectacular. This was a particularly adorable moment, although her message might have been otherwise stern.
Today's wintry weather didn't keep this bear from getting a daily meal of salmon, nor was it inclement enough to keep me from missing a unique photographic opportunity.
Nice backdrop for a bear portrait and this certainly is a photogenic little bear! Sometimes I still find it hard to grasp that this is five minutes from my door. Yet another image taken during yesterday's fall photo class at the Nature Center.
I have to marvel at this young brown bear, who just one month ago would clumsily splash around the creek in an attempt to catch salmon without any success, was able to pick up 3 in less than an hour yesterday. Winter is going to be bit easier now that she is fattening up. This is another shot from yesterday’s fall color photography class at the Nature Center. We were very fortunate to have this opportunity.
I was leading another fall photography class at the Nature Center today when this young brown bear walked out into the creek and began catching salmon. What was initially supposed to be a fall color workshop quickly became a wildlife photo session. With nobody else around, we watched this little brownie off & on for about an hour, until she seemed to have gotten her fill of salmon and wandered off
While taking a closer look at the changing season these past few days I also decided to take a look under the water's surface to try capture some images of the spawning salmon. As it turns out, shooting in murky water with a cumbersome waterproof camera housing after puncturing one of my rubber boots is a bit of a challenge. Alas, I managed to get a few shots and seem to have discovered a new polka dot species of salmon...
This morning was inspirational, I feel as though I accomplished more in a few hours than I have all week. As a result, I have added a new gallery of images.
This morning I read that more people are killed from accidents using selfie sticks than by shark attacks, so I'm not taking any chances. As you can see by the shadow across my chest, both hands are placed securely on the phone - no stick involved. If you're trying to reach me this week, I'll be in my happy place.
Autumn is officially upon us, and it goes quickly in these parts. Yesterday I spent the day chasing colors in Eagle River Valley and I plan to do the same today and tomorrow, trying to document the changes as much as I can before it's gone. This was taken at "The Perch" which is 4 miles out from the Visitor Center, where I spent a few hours enjoying the late afternoon light show.
Here's a photo of the motley crew I had for Saturday's fall photography class at the Nature Center (we had two others that had to get back a bit earlier, unfortunately I forgot to take the group photo before they left). We had fantastic weather and a fun day out on the trails; hopefully everyone learned a thing or two. This was taken at our final destination, Echo Bend, 3 miles out from the visitor center. I will be offering a winter class as well and quite possibly a session on aurora photography, bearing in mind that it will likely be an indoor program unless we are fortunate enough to have clear skies and lights that night. The way this season is starting off, however, it seems that we could very likely have lights. I will post these on my page when they are set in stone, or at least added to the Nature Center's schedule.
Cheers!
Colin
After a few days of heavy rains, the clouds parted early Friday morning, shedding light on the autumn colors and fresh snow in Eagle River Valley.
Fall color, auroras and a landscape tinted green from the intense glow, these are few of my favorite things. Another photo from early Sunday morning in Eagle River Valley.
After yesterday's all-day photography class, chasing auroras much of last night, 3 outdoor portrait sessions today and putting a good 12 miles on my feet, I was able to make it out to catch the last light of the day with the rapidly transitioning seasonal colors. This scene never gets old, nor do I ever take for granted the fact that this is what I call my backyard. With a sense of gratitude and physical exhaustion, I bid you goodnight from Eagle River Valley. I will have more photos to share tomorrow, and always.
I led an all-day outdoor photography class at the Nature Center yesterday, hiked 6+ miles and have 3 portrait sessions scheduled later today. I was planning on getting a bit of sleep but I guess Mother Nature had other plans. One thing I've come to realize over the years is that I'd much rather deal with a lack of sleep for a day or two than face weeks, months, sometimes years of regret for missing a wonderful photographic opportunity.
