Black Bears, Steep Creek, Alaska – Image 2735

A black bear mother leads her cubs along Steep Creek. By mid-August, sockeye salmon have swarmed up Steep Creek right next to the parking lots for the Mendenhall Glacier visitors center. With the arrival of the sockeye as many as 18 black bears move down to the stream to feast on the fish. With up to 3,000 to 4,000 visitors coming to see the glacier, the bear/human interaction gets interesting. The Forest Service rangers have done a fantastic job keeping bears and humans safe from each other. This mother black bear referred to by locals as “Nicky”, had twin cubs…one black and one brown. Black bears come in multiple color phases from white, black, brown and everything in between. This photo was shot from the bear viewing platform in the meadow with a view of the lake. The image illustrates the month of September in my 2012 Juneau Alaska Calendar. Enjoy the photo and thanks for visiting. © Mark KelleyCamera body: Nikon D200, Lens: Nikkor 20-35mmF/2.8, Digital Capture, ISO 200