Wayne Towriss Photography: 2013

Sunday, 28 July 2013

The Bear Facts

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for bears.

Last week while in Haines Alaska Joyce was sitting, at the side of the road, just behind the RV, while I was out fishing. Marley complained about being inside so she got him out, tied him to the leg of the lawn chair, and went on reading her book. She was just getting into it when Marley said "Grrrr". She looked up to see "A big furry Grizzly head" sticking out of the bush not six feet away. Joyce got up and slowly moved towards the door of the Serenity, only to remember she had left Marley tied to the chair. In spite of the fact that she has been making cracks about getting rid of Marley, she went back to get him (guess she is all talk). The two of them quickly got into the RV, then looked back to see the sow and her little cub come out on the road.
Saved for the second time this year by Marley The Bear Dog.

On a similar note, while out photographing the eagles, I also had an encounter.

Two years ago I had also gone into the nest and noticed bear prints on the trail. I was sitting on the hillside, getting good shots of the eaglets, when I heard breathing behind me. Before I could turn around, something stuck its cold, wet nose in my ear. Thinking about getting ready to change my underwear, I spot three big huskies and a women coming along the path.

Yesterday, while photographing the bird, I hear something and there was the three dogs and their owner again. She spoke, went on down the path, and I went on with my photography. Half an hour later I hear a noise, and look up (expecting to see the dogs again). This time, however, it was a bear. About 40 feet away and heading down to the river was a two year old black bear. He hadn't seen me and I didn't want to startle him so I just said "Hi". He just looked up and walked back from whence he came. I didn't even get a picture.

I guess "All's well that ends well".