Land Rover

In the fall of 2020, we hosted six photographers on a weeklong grizzly photo safari in central British Columbia. Each day, our local guides took us along the Chilko River in flat-bottom boats, searching for these incredible bears as they prepared for winter.

The salmon were just beginning their return to spawn—an event that draws the bears to the river in search of the protein-rich fish they rely on to build up their fat reserves before hibernation.

For the cubs, this was all new.

It was their first time experiencing the river, and it was clear they wanted nothing to do with it.

While their mothers waded into the rushing water to fish, the cubs stayed safely along the banks, pacing back and forth, watching and waiting for an easy meal to be brought ashore. Occasionally, a mother would return with a catch for them, but more often than not, she would gently encourage them into the water—nudging them to develop the swimming and fishing skills they would need to survive.

This particular cub, however, had other plans.

A true land rover, he was determined to avoid the water at all costs. He followed his mother relentlessly along the river’s edge—climbing over logs, weaving through thickets, and even crossing old boat docks—doing anything he could to stay dry while she fished just out of reach.

It was both amusing and endearing to watch… a small reminder that even in the wild, personalities shine through.

 -Stan Masters 

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