Exciting Bear Encounters
Bears in the Great Bear Rainforest
A hike while doing research. Birds singing wholeheartedly, animals calling, untamed beauty of plants… and then suddenly an unexpected eye-to-eye encounter with a black bear cub. I (Gregory) raised my camera and took some shots. However, moments later mother bear could be heard just around the corner, telling me to back off. Staying between mother and cub was absolutely dangerous, so I silently retraced my steps, keeping my eyes on the bear. An unforgettable experience, and an indelible impression in my mind and captured on camera.
This is just one of the experiences that made me want to share the beauty of nature with people around me. However, knowledge of what to do when a situation becomes risky, is a must. This encounter was a once in a lifetime experience, but staying where I was after discovering mother bear’s presence, could have created a precarious experience. So, it is not only beauty I want to share, but also respect for, and knowledge about, nature.
Grizzly Bear and rocks
Another such example was the male grizzly bear we ran into while on foot during the same research project. We happened upon him quite unawares, since he appeared out of nowhere and decided to visit the same river in which we were counting salmon. Without warning, the grizzly starting showing aggressive behaviour. This was his territory and we were transgressing. We were intruders, and our stay had been long enough. We were no longer welcome.
Taking the message to heart, our research team wordlessly started backing up, towards the mouth of the river where our boat was. The heart of this uninhabited, lavish rainforest in a hidden part of Canada, was not ours. If wildlife showed its boundaries, we humans meant nothing at all anymore. We could only withdraw, respect them and their unparalleled, magnificent habitat, filled with silent wonder and awe.
When we were back on the boat, the grizzly concluded the area was once again safely his and he put up a show for us. He frolicked about, moved around rocks, and to top it all off, decided to sit down and put one of the boulders on his head! It was an entertaining display, once again immortalized by the camera I never leave behind. It had also taught us a lesson we would not forget soon. Showing respect, gives you respect, and it will not leave you disappointed. So, go out and enjoy nature, but never forget to be prepared. Make sure you know what do, know how to behave, and nature will present you with priceless moments that you will treasure.
Black Bear cub in a Crabapple tree
Grizzly Bear amongst Raven friends
Grizzly Bear with rock on its head
