By Your Side

After the activities of the day, a cub requires recharging; and a mother’s touch soothes the savage beast. The bear cub, tired from play, rests his weary head against his mother’s strong, comforting body. The steady beat of her heart lulled the cub to sleep, leaving the worries of the world behind. The image was taken at first contact. I was touched by the cub’s innocent gaze and the easy nature of the mother, as she appeared oblivious to all but the cub leaning into her for support.

Coastal Brown Bear, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska, 2013

Canon 1DX, Canon 600mm F/4, f/5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 1600, monopod