Sloth bear cubs

[Ajit Huilgol]

The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is a native of India and Sri Lanka. The female usually gives birth to two cubs in December/ January, and starts to give them piggy-back rides when they are about 3 months old. It can get extremely hot in April in India, and the cubs are obviously uncomfortable, being black themselves and riding on black body, and make their discomfort known with pitiful cries. The cries are so human-like, it is eerie!
Location: Daroji Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka, India
Date: Mar, 2007
Camera: Canon 20D
Lens: Canon 100-400
Specs: ISO 100, f5.6, 1/400s
Thank you for taking the time out to look, and for your comments/critiques.

[Ken Watkins]

A first for me I have never seen a Sloth Bear let alone cubs! The obvious thing to say is that the cub on the left is slightly OOF or blurred by movement, but it does not bother me at all.

I must admit I have never heard of this sanctuary, but see that is quite near to Hampi, a place I last visited 36 years ago!. I have always wanted to go back there, now I have no excuse, I can visit the sanctuary as well!

[Harshad Barve]

This is amazing picture Doc , lovely cubs, I am loving this as posted ,
Daroji is great place to spend some good time & is on top of my wish list this year :)
TFS

[David Fletcher]

Wonderful shot Ajit! Really good detail in the blacks. A first for me too, so thanks for sharing.

[Subharghya]

This is my All Time Favorite from your Daroji images .. The innocence of these babies makes this image so amazing !!! You have composed them so beautifully .. Congrats on this one :)

[Kiran Khanzode]

These little devils have no teeth just yet, but look at the claws of the cub on the left !!! Amazing shot, never seen sloth bear cubs...only seen/have record images of sloth bears.

Thx,

Kiran

[Vivek Khanzode]

Great shot. I had never seen the babies of the sloth bears, so it is a first for me. You have captured the emotions well.

Also got to know of another place that I need to visit during my trips back to India.

Do you have any photos of the mama with the babies on the back (as in the whole mommy in frame)? It might be a great enviro and behavior shot.

[Ajit Huilgol]

Yes, Vivek, and I shall post that one sometime soon.

[John Ippolito]

Most unusual image captured very nicely. Detail in the blacks is right on, and the bawling cubs make this a winner.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Ajit,
I like this image. Great expression on the cubs. The raised fur of mamma is nice as well. A bit more space at the right would have been good as a little bit of its arm appears to be cut.

Ken,
This is a place where one will definitely get to see sloth bears. They smear some honey, jaggery etc on the rocks. So these fellows visit the place. However, getting to see the small cubs is a bonus.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Ajit,
I like this image. Great expression on the cubs. The raised fur of mamma is nice as well. A bit more space at the right would have been good as a little bit of its arm appears to be cut.

Ken,
This is a place where one will definitely get to see sloth bears. They smear some honey, jaggery etc on the rocks. So these fellows visit the place. However, getting to see the small cubs is a bonus.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Steve Canuel]

Even though they're not laughing, it seems as if they are, and this one brought a smile to my face upon viewing.

[Kiran Poonacha]

This is just too cute Guruji, the open mouth of the cubs sure adds some much here.. very touching image.. congrats...