Black bears, Steep Creek, Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, Alaska – Image 2791

These three black bears roam the bear trail along Steep Creek at the Mendenhall Glacier. The sockeye salmon usually show up in the creek between the third week of July and first week of August. This shot is of the bear that the locals refer to as “Nicky” with her two cubs. Over the years we have watched Nicky raise four sets of twin cubs. This image was taken from the raised viewing platform just next to one of the main parking lots at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. There are two main bear viewing platforms about a 100 yards apart and are the best places to do bear photography in Juneau. I did a whole book on bears never having to leave the trail system next to the parking lot at the glacier…maybe no longer than 200 years in total length. The image illustrates the month of July in my Juneau Alaska 2013 Calendar. Enjoy and the photo and thanks for visiting. Camera body: F5, Lens: Nikkor 20-35mm f/4 /35mm color slide film, Velvia/ digital scan© Mark Kelley