This little corner of the blogosphere has been pretty quiet lately. It hasn't been abandoned, but the truth is blogging has taken a backseat to a very busy spring and summer. Real estate in Fairbanks is still... well, real estate in Fairbanks.
Today, howver, I'd rather talk about bears. Yep, those big furry, cuddly looking critters right up there at the top of the food chain. We came across this teddy bear a couple of weeks ago in Chugach State Park. While it's not the first encounter we've had this summer, ths is the closest we've been and certainly the bear with the biggest sense of humor.
As you can tell, she was busy polishing off a caribou and not really paying us that much attention... I shot these with a Canon 600MM IS lens with a 1.4 teleconverter so we weren't real close and certainly didn't pose much of a threat.
Out of nearly 500 images shot that afternoon, the shot above is by far my favorite. Kinda makes you want to run up and give her a big 'ol kiss doesn't it?
Jesse and Kathy, maybe "you'd want to run up and give her a big ole kiss" but count me out. Great pictures though.
Here's hoping all is coming around to a manageable point. I have said prayers for both of you. gREAT PICTURES
Kiss, no... Hug, maybe. Always love your photos, Jesse. You have introduced me to a beautiful state that I never quite appreciated before.
Ahhh I think Caribou breath might only appeal to another Grizzly so I'm not going going to pass on the kiss. I'd say you were getting the big rasberry in the last photo.
I'm sure glad your big brown bear friend had a bone to naw on; he may have been looking at you for his next meal. Great photo's and he does look cuddly.
These photos are beyond awesome! They are spectacular and I'm so glad that you posted them here.
Featured in the Group "Square Pegs!"
Jesse,
Aaa, not really. Too old to get that close and intimate. Could be taken the wrong way, and I am not in the best running form
Glad to see you on AR
Great wildlife photos Jesse. ONLY in Alaska, the last frontier....
Jesse, great photos, I am glad that you fared better than that elk did!
Hey Jesse,
OMG, I can't believe you took this photos, how amazing!
Glad to have you back even for a few minutes. Always love your pictures and they always make me want to come to Alaska and visit you and your bear friends. Looks like I need to get a little longer lens before I do that though.
Hi Jesse - She does indeed look awfully cuddly. With all my hiking and camping in the woods in Montana and Southern Canada, I have had a number of grizzly encounters, but I have to tell you that on none of those occasions did I really think about cuddling with one of them - just backed slowly away with my head down so they wouldn't get too excited. :)
Ah! The heart of what makes Alaska so appealing to those of us who have to settle from touring Alaska from afar and through the lens of the folks who live there.
Fabulous photos. Worthy of National Geographics.
bear hugs...hmmm...kisses..yicks...her Mom should have told her it's not polite to stick her tongue out...our cat does that too...brave pictures...very brave.
Jesse I saw the entire photo shoot you posted on FaceBook. The pictures are fantastic. And this guys claws are pure terror!!!
Great photos...makes me want to take a trip to the Alaska. (Would love to try some of that fishing!)
Wow, how cute and cuddly!
Not...
Fantastic photos! While they were different bears, I remember as a kid going to a garbage dump in the Great Smokies because that's where all the bears hang out. And watching complete idiots feeding the bears. Sure, the bears were used to people, but they are still wild animals that can kill people!
Hi Jesse: Hey, at the risk of sounding like a moron -- which has never stopped me before so why start now? -- how do you know this bear is a female?
Love your photos!!!
Jessee and Kathy, I think I will keep my distance. Great photos! How far away were you when you took the photos?
Wonderful photos! I think the bear is happy without anyone trying to hug or kiss him/her, as that might (guessing) just change its playful mood?
Jesse, I need to make it back to Alaska, only made it to the Anchorage/Palmer area. Beautiful country and beautiful pictures!
Jesse...Great Photo's. Given a chance Nature will entertain us for hours. thanks!
I love Alaska! I'm not sure I could handle a winter in Fairbanks, but it certainly is a beautiful place to spend a summer!
That second shot reminds me of some bloodthirsty buyers that I have worked with recently!
nothing like chewing on a little deer leg to brighten your day!!! Thanks for sharing the pics, I'm with you summer has taken over and bloggin has moved to the back seat temporarily...
I've followed your nature shots on FB. You are still nuts for getting in the same zipcode with these things. (I really do enjoy your photography, Jesse.)
This is so great! I love Alaska, and this guy seems to love it too. It doesn't look like the caribou fared so well though.
Thank you for sharing!
Great pics Jesse and Kathy! That last one looks like she's giving you a really big, wet PHHHHTTT!
Fantastic pictures Jesse but as for hugging that bear you can count me out. Wouldn't want to be desert.
Jesse....Loved the bear picks. Nature in all of it's wonder. you never know what it will do.
The circle of life is entwined with barb wire. Awesome shots, Jesse.
WOW. Don't see that in our area! I'm visiting Alaska in a few weeks and can't wait! All I hear (and see) is good.
Ah, Jesse - what a cutie she is! Looks like she doesn't have a care in the world but her meal and the sun in the sky!
Great post! Very awesome pictures! Poor elk!
Thanks for sharing,
Adam
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I wanna give her a big old bear hug!!Great Pictures!
Jesse, I agree with Lenn these photos are worthy of National Geographic Magazine.