I've had a number of memorable interactions with bears over the years, but this encounter last week was among the most exciting experiences of my life. It took place while hiking in the national forest just outside Teton National Park. I knew there were bears in the area and I was reluctant to hike in solo, so I recruited my friend Dan to accompany me into a drainage where I'd seen seen a sow and two cubs the evening before. It didn't take long before we made contact. We ensured the bears...
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I've had a number of memorable interactions with bears over the years, but this encounter last week was among the most exciting experiences of my life. It took place while hiking in the national forest just outside Teton National Park. I knew there were bears in the area and I was reluctant to hike in solo, so I recruited my friend Dan to accompany me into a drainage where I'd seen seen a sow and two cubs the evening before. It didn't take long before we made contact. We ensured the bears knew that we were nearby and kept a safe distance, flanking them instead of directly approaching. Please keep in mind that this image was made with a long telephoto lens.
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