A wild Polar Bear inspects the people inside a Tundra Rover by peering through the floor grate.

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Trying to scent us, this female breathed directly into my face.
In all honesty, the sensation of a wild Polar Bear's moist breath on my own nose, mouth, and cheeks was far more memorable than any photo...
The breath was odorless but warm with life.

FYI, being close enough to feel & "breath in" wild Polar Bear breath is not a normal event. While 10 other photographers on the Tunder Rover were standing up, I was laying down on the floor & shooting between their spread legs. I got as close as possible to the bear that was against the grate. That paid off with a priceless memory that few will ever experience.

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COPYRIGHT 2009, Elizabeth Bickel. All Rights Reserved.