A Peaceful Time Away With Beautiful Black Bears

I got away from Vancouver's hustle and bustle last month to do some hiking and go into a remote coastal area to shoot some Black Bears. I was in awe watching 6 bears at once successfully hunt salmon. Watching their individual personalities was special. They sat in cute poses and all deferred to the alpha male. 

 They are such a misunderstood animal that so many have an irrational fear of. They really want nothing to do with us if people give them a healthy dose of respect. The BC Conservation Officer Service has killed 70 bears across BC in July 2020 alone. Truly heartbreaking. Humans need to learn to coexist.

One of the bears I photographed had an injured foot but was still able to successfully hunt and catch salmon.This shows the resilience of these amazing animals. Being alone in their presence was a privilege I will always treasure.

Black Bears in BC's coastal rainforest - Photos: Melissa Hafting

A Black Bear on a rare sunny moment during our stay

 I made a couple videos you can watch below:

Black Bear with injured paw hunts salmon from bcbirdergirl on Vimeo.

3 bears at the river mouth from bcbirdergirl on Vimeo.

Comments

  1. Brian BemmelsSeptember 4, 2020 at 5:10 PM

    Wonderful photos of these magnificent bears Melissa! Glad to hear you got away to spend some time with them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingSeptember 5, 2020 at 8:53 AM

      thank you so much brian! i really needed a short break away :D hope you are well!

      Delete
  2. michael jeffriesSeptember 4, 2020 at 5:26 PM

    these photos are spectacular mel! bears definitely deserve much more respect than they are given. i never understood how people build houses in bears home and then complain and get them killed

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingSeptember 5, 2020 at 8:53 AM

      i agree with you! we cant be surprised when conflicts occur when we encroach on their habitat. thanks for the kindness

      Delete
  3. NorskSeptember 4, 2020 at 5:41 PM

    beautiful photos dear melissa. i especially love the first one what a pose! and the one of the bear walking with the fish and the one of it sitting upright facing you in the river relaxing with not a care in the world! thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingSeptember 5, 2020 at 8:57 AM

      thank you so much for your nice words. my fave is the one of the bear sitting facing me in the river too as it is just chillaxin'! haha

      Delete
  4. Tareq's PhotographySeptember 5, 2020 at 1:17 PM

    nice post

    ReplyDelete
  5. ILPOSeptember 13, 2020 at 11:11 AM

    beautiful pictures Mel. These animals have so much character and it is such a privilege to observe them in their environment and such a picturesque setting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingSeptember 13, 2020 at 10:53 PM

      it really was and it was very special to spend it with you. thank you :)

      Delete

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