Okay, so it’s a code… Grizzly Bear obviously, but the specimen bit refers to the location at which we found this, well, specimen, of Ursus arctos horribilis. Said location was indeed on the lower flanks of Specimen Ridge in Yellowstone National Park. Griz can frequently be observed higher up on this massif, in or near the treeline, but rarely right along the Grand Loop Road, which is where we encountered this animal. A land shark on patrol in a sea of sage.
BTW, this is too close. The EXIF data recorded that the subject distance for the image above to be about 40 meters. I seriously doubt the data, since as I recall, the distance seemed more like 40 feet… Park regulations specify that ‘Approaching on foot within 100 yards (91 m) of bears or wolves or within 25 yards (23 m) of other wildlife is prohibited.’ Park regulations do not specifically address what happens when the wildlife approach you, but retreat whenever possible is naturally the best course of action. In this case, we were definitely retreating while the shooting continued.
Some folks believe that the taxonomic designation for Griz is unfair to the nature of the animal. I dunno, but if you were standing as close as we were when this image was recorded, I’d bet you would agree that U. a. horribilis is pretty much on-target. A most impressive creature, huge but remarkably agile, and definitely worthy of respect. As the bear strode past us, we had a rare opportunity to observe just how powerful this creature is. I’d estimate that the strolling bear was moving a pace well above 5 mph, and that a person would have to jog at brisk pace just to stay ahead of the bear. We’ve seen Griz move at full speed too, which is a bit better than 30 mph (for an average bear that is). Compare that speed with that of the fastest humans, who move along at just over 20 mph, and you get an important suggestion – don’t get into a foot race with Mr Speedy.
Images in this entry were recorded at around 13:00 MDT on May 16, 2011 using the Nikon D3s and the AF-S NIIKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR lens. Exposures were f/8.0 and either 1/1000s or 1/1250s, ISO 1600. I’d have liked to use a larger aperture, but the bear was moving so swiftly towards us that I thought it best compromise in favor of just a bit more DOF. Was 600mm necessary? Yeah, absolutely no doubt. I do get a lot of comments in the field… ‘Boy, I bet my pictures would be a whole lot better if I had *that* lens…’ Well maybe, and while I’m definitely privledged to be able to get my mits on the lens, I issue the fair warning that using big glass effectively is one helluva lot harder than it looks…
A Google Earth image of the area where we encountered this bear is provided below:
Copyright 2012 Peter F. Flynn. No usage permitted without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
Tags: Grizzly Bear, Specimen Ridge, Ursus arctos horribilis, YELL, Yellowstone National Park, YNP
Boy he does have that menacing look on his face doesn’t he. Very nice shots. You were awfully close. I’m surprised you could BEAR it!
Hi David,
Thanks for checking in. Tons of fun to shoot this close actually. There were a large number of people standing nearby, and Griz is generally disinclined to challenge groups of animals. Perhaps as importantly though, a few of the folks standing around would have appeared to be more edible than myself. That’s a suvival strategy for the YNP, look inedible.
P.
That is one big ol bear! If he wanted you, he would have had you no doubt. I might suggest you develop a line of lens wraps that look like a fish. In the event of a charge, drop (or gently lay down) your lens. The bear would go for the lens thinking it was a fish, and you would be free. Great shots that capture his true dominance.
Hi B,
Yes, or perhaps I could just have an actual bundle of stinky fish around and hand it to someone standing nearby… No, bad idea, BAD. Seriously though, you would never want to be this close alone, out in the open sort, of scenario. BTW, this is not watching bears fishing on the Kenai. YNP bears spending every waking instant on the prowl for calories and there are no fat salmon around to distract them from their goal.
P.
HI Peter, Love the pictures of the bear. Enjoy your comments too. Cheers! dity
Hi Dity,
Thanks a bunch for checking in and for your very kind remarks. Stay tuned!
Cheers,
P.