Grizzly Bear Photos

“I consider him in most respects the greatest animal on the North American continent, if not in the world. He excels in mental development and physical prowess, and he possesses the rare quality of loyalty. He is full of curiosity and a born adventurer. The species impresses one with superiority, and the individuality of each grizzly stands out .. stories of this ‘animal that walks like a man’ ever appeal; he is the most impressive animal on the continent. He is the dominant and the most distinguished animal of the world.”

— Enos Mills, ‘The Grizzly’.

My photographs represent the essence of how I experience these bears. Some of these images were taken in remote backcountry expeditions in the mountains of Alaska, others at popular, though still remote, bear viewing and bear photography locations in places like Katmai National Park.

Photographing grizzly bears is a thrill like no other. They are truly magnificent creatures, and a treat to behold. The grizzly bear, also known as the brown bear along the coastal reaches of Alaska and Western Canada, was once widespread across much of North America, but decimated by European settlers near to the point of extinction. A few grizzlies remain in isolated pockets of wilderness in the Lower 48, in places like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. In Alaska and parts of Canada, the grizzly has prevailed and is doing well. Katmai National Park, southwest of Anchorage, in Alaska is one of the best bear viewing places anywhere in the world, with a large population of bears. The bears frequent much of the park, but are most commonly seen along the coastal areas of Hallo Bay and at Brooks River in July and September. There are many places in the region that are excellent for grizzly bear photography.