Onlookers

“Onlookers”

One of the things I enjoy most about photographing bears is seeing the cubs. These little guys are naturally curious, and you will often notice in my photos that their eyes are focused directly on me. Whereas you’ll find that the adult bears will seldom look at you, which is a good thing, as this is a sign of aggression in the adults. But oh, were these little guys curious! This capture was during the beginning of the salmon run, which is when the momma brings her cubs down to the river while she feasts on the high protein fish in preparation for her winter hibernation. So, it is quite likely that we were the very first humans these cubs had ever seen. Their steadfast gaze, while in the nearby protection of their mother, left me just as curious of them as nature unfolded before me.

 - Stan Masters

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