Black Bear, Anan Creek, Southeast Alaska #3411

Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory is located in the old growth forest of the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. The spawning pink salmon in Anan Creek fill the stream from bank to bank and run into a very steep waterfall blocking them from reaching their spawning grounds. Only the strong, or maybe the lucky, survive to pass on their genes to the next generation. The falls are a half-a-mile walk up from the ocean shore. After 13 years, this is the first time I ever saw a bear walk out on this rock. Usually, the rock is covered with raging water. The bear stepped into this magical, almost fairy-like, setting for less than five frames on my motor drive. Wildlife photography for me usually means hours upon hours of waiting and then five to ten seconds of hold-your-breath shooting when everything finally works. Thank you for the gift of your time. Enjoy – Camera: #Nikon #D850, Lens: # Nikkor 80-400mm, Digital Capture, Hand-Held, ©Mark Kelley