Photo by #CanonExplorerOfLight @charlesglatzer: “Photographing bears is always special, but cubs, especially spring cubs or COY (cub of the year) as they are frequently called is over the top. These little balls of energetic fur will keep you entertained for hours with their sibling play antics, acrobatic tree climbing, innocence, and interactions with mom (sow). In the midwest, black bears can exhibit different color variations…black, brown, cinnamon, and the rare kermode (off white) often referred to as a Spirit bear. Sows will often send the cubs up a tree, staying at the base she is the gatekeeper of all things sacred… none shall pass! After playing for a while in the tree the cubs typically pass out from exhaustion giving mom a well-needed break from the chaos of raising two-five siblings. Mom will eventually call the cubs down with a few guttural vocalizations.
I took this image as the smallest of the siblings made its way down the tree. Always cautious a cub will often pause to peer out from behind the tree trunk as it precedes to ground level. Hopefully, your focus point is on the appropriate side of the tree, wink.”
📸 #Canon EOS R5
Lens: EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Ciao, Nihon.