Bears of the McNeil River
By Mark Hardgrave
This is another favorite of mine. Mother and cub walking toward the upper falls viewing pad at McNeil. I believe that this is "Teddy" and "Tuffy", but I am not sure. I like the look of the bears in the grass, it kind of is where you expect to see them. This would also make another nice cibachrome hanging in the home or office. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Fuji Provia film.
Another nice scenic of one of the male bears coming down the banks of the McNeil toward the viewing pad on the upper falls. The light was really nice when this photograph was taken. The slide is very detailed and you can see the bears claws very clearly, too bad the scan is not as nice as the slide. We would see about 20 different bears a day come and go while at McNeil. On the average of about 4 to 5 bears at a time. In early July it is not unusual to see 60 to 80 bears at a time fishing at the falls. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Fuji Provia film.
It was really exciting watching these big guys fish. Each bear has his own way of fishing. Some of their techniques are rather comical, while others are more exact like a science. All in all, they end up with the same result, a full belly of fish. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Kodak E200 film.
Going looking for more fish. Some parts of the river are over the bear's head and they swim till they find a spot to fish. Some bears will look for salmon under the water. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Kodak E200 film.