#brownbears

Last Bear C7A3188 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: On the last day of my brief but colorful stay at Denali National Park I was delighted to have the opportunity to see a grizzly. He spent a good deal of time meandering across an open field, feasting on vegetation along the way, but eventually made his way to a road crossing where anxious park visitors found it hard to contain themselves. Surrounded by some of the most colorful tundra that I’ve seen, he stopped for find the best point to cross. It was a stark contrast to the brown bears I photograph along the shores of Cook Inlet. The crowds of humans don’t exist there and the colors in the landscapes tend to be rather muted. It was still a wonderful moment having the opportunity to enjoy the company of what is likely my last bear encounter for this season.

Bearly Autumn C7A3048PS by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: The summer season hasn’t yet ended but in Denali National Park autumn is in full swing. In some areas, the colors are otherworldly. Although wildlife is abundant in Denali, the vast expanse of land can make viewing wildlife challenging, especially for those not familiar with the park. I was graced with the appearance of this large male. He grazed amongst the tawny brambles of the open tundra for an hour or so before making off to the nearby river. Though I am no stranger to bear photography, the location and colorful palette made the moment extraordinarily special.