Notes from Bear Camp #4
The ends of the hairs on grizzly bears’ flanks, backs and shoulders often have white tips and give the bears a “grizzled” appearance, hence the species’ name.
A bear swam across the narrow point where Chilko river became Chilko lake
Everyone in our group was doing their best to manage the collective disappointment of so few bear sightings. As I stepped out of my tent on Day 3, I saw the silhouette of a bear climbing out of the water to the opposite shore where the river narrowed to mark the beginning of Chilko Lake. Surely this was a positive omen for the day.
No complaints about the weather, however, it was another gorgeous day. I climbed aboard a jet boat with Canadian wildlife photographer and trip leader, Michelle Valberg, and our guide Juan. Juan originally hailed from Columbia but now calls British Columbia home.
We headed downstream again towards the turnaround point where the fisheries team was researching the salmon (and lack thereof). When we arrived, two researchers, backs turned to us and hip deep in the river, were riveted on a big grizzly who, ironically, stood equal distance on the other side of a Caution sign. I was so focused trying to capture the bear, I didn’t have a chance to get the guys and the bear in the same frame. It was one of those missed moments that will stay in my imagination.
Juan turned the boat and idled in the fast water as I tried to steady my camera. The bear lifted his head and studied us. I didn’t notice his incredible claws until I downloaded the picture below.
Grizzlies use their claws to dig, catch fish and slice into their food. Indigenous peoples consider bear claws powerful spiritual objects that symbolize strength and bravery. They wear bear claws for protection and good fortune in traditional jewelry and regalia.
My what big claws you have!
The bear didn’t loiter on shore (I imagine to the relief of the researchers). He slipped into the river and headed to the opposite bank, swimming against the strong current with ease.
Meanwhile, Juan was doing his best to stay out of the way of the bear and keep him in sight while managing the swift current. With all the bobbing and turning, I didn’t even see the bear climb up the steep bank on the other side.
Can you find the bear?
“Hang on he’s in the woods!” exclaimed Juan as he turned the boat downstream again. I wondered if we had passed the point of no return as Juan raced past the Caution sign into the rapids. He took us downriver, then, with incredible skill, turned the boat, revved the engine and hovered in place while we searched for the bear.
Tiny fragments of sunshine reflecting off the buff-coloured fur of the grizzly’s hump and ears revealed the hidden bear. I braced my camera as best I could, waiting for an opening in the forest as the boat rocked and rolled under me. The challenges of wildlife photography!
Fast shutter speed was the only hope I had to get the bear’s face without a branch in his eye or lose him entirely to the shadows of the forest.
Michelle & Juan
I give Juan full credit I got any images at all. His skill as a boatman and desire to do his best for his clients says a lot. Three outings, three bears. So far, I was batting 3 for 3, a lot more than some of my companions. I hoped my luck would continue into the afternoon.