Although I fully expected to see lots of bears, I did not expect to step just 3 feet from my cabin and almost run into this one... Interestingly (although extremely close as you can see in the photo), she was not the closest "unexpected" Griz that I encountered during my stay in Lake Clark. Nevertheless, this young sow was the first bear I met close up the day I arrived. Due to foggy weather, my camera gear & I had gotten separated in Anchorage. I got to Lake Clark about noon; however my equipment didn't get there until after 8PM. Long story. But talk about frustration!!!Not expecting to see a bear so close to my door, I had just stepped outside to check my reunited camera on some scenery. Instead, I was rewarded with this treat. The lighting was beautiful, and the bear very close. This encounter, however, taught me to be extremely cautious before taking path - from my room to the main lodge - through the underbrush. The Griz loved to use it, and there was no way for a human to get off the path. When alone, I instead used the road where the bears and I could see each other coming.

For more wild Grizzly Bear photographs, please visit http://www.pbase.com/britestar/wild_grizzly_bears
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Copyright 2007 Elizabeth Bickel. All rights Reserved.