Crusin' the River

A Grizzly Bear Cruisin’ the River

One crisp mid-September afternoon, while we were gently drifting down the Chilko River during our Grizzly Photo Safari, the quiet was broken by a moment we’ll never forget. Our guide suddenly slowed the boat and pointed ahead - there, along the river’s edge, was a large male grizzly bear, calmly cruising the shoreline in search of salmon.

There was no rush, no urgency in his movements. Just confidence, strength, and purpose as he worked the river the way grizzlies have done for generations. Our guide carefully eased the boat to the opposite side of the river, giving us the space to observe him respectfully while allowing him to remain completely at ease.

Stan lifted his camera and quietly captured a series of images, fully aware that moments like this are never guaranteed. The bear continued on, focused on the task that had brought him there, seemingly unfazed by our presence across the water.

After a few photographs, we gently merged back into the current and drifted away, leaving him exactly as we found him - wild, undisturbed, and doing what he had come to do. Cruisin’ the River is a reminder that some of the most powerful wildlife encounters happen not through pursuit, but through patience, respect, and simply being present in their world.

-Keltie Masters

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