Black Bear Reflection

Minnesota held the prospect of capturing a Black Bear drinking water from one of its many rivers in the evening. For some reason, the bear is notorious for being skittish.

Our bear guide led us to a small river, in hopes of catching the animal in the act. On the last evening of my 3-day trip, a bear emerged from behind a tall bush and scooted off as soon as he saw us. The wait began again. Night closed in, and the river’s surface darkened. Suddenly, we heard a rustle in the bushes. The bear emerged and walked slowly to the opposite side of the river. He drank lightly, before looking directly at us. Our cameras clicked away in the pure excitement of the moment. Amazingly, the show continued. The bear submerged himself in the river, except for his bobbing head. He too, appeared to be experiencing joy in the fleeting moment.

Black Bear, Northern Minnesota, USA, 2012

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200 F/2.8, Canon 1.4X III teleconverter, f/4, 1/400s, ISO 1600, handheld