Swimming... with Gizzlies?

[Steve Kaluski]

OK, I wasn't quite swimming with these guys, nor would I imply anyone should, and that you should always be with a Bear guide in these locations.

Taken again on one of the many inlets that feed out of Katmai, this bear was actually fishing and occasionally snorkeled, which was hilarious to watch and listen too, as they blew bubbles under the water. Getting in & out of this position was not ideal, nor quick, but proved to be an interesting one.

Steve
MKIII 300f/2.8 1/800 f/5.6 ISO800 (HH, FF on width)
PS: Curves, Levels, Lumo mask, hint of USM (More room below, only)
I based the horizontal on the shoreline rather than the wake of the bear.

[Robert Amoruso]

That is not a behavior that I have seen before. Interesting stuff.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Robert, bizarre I know, but it seems to work.

My question is, do they have their eyes open underwater? Sadly this image doesn't capture them blowing bubble bit, but does show they must look/search under the surface for movement. However, I have seen Black bears fish for dead fish with their feet from an underwater camera, so I guess anything is possible?

cheers
Steve

Image for example, not processed.

[Rachel Hollander]

Steve - I've seen this behavior and agree that it's amusing to observe. Although I don't think I've seen the bubble bit. Nice detail and POV. Any more room on the LHS?

TFS,
Rachel

[Grant Atkinson]

Hi Steve, excellent shot from a great POV...well done. I remember seeing images taken of brown bears fishing underwater by Sergei Gorshkov in his fantastic book about bears in Kanchatka, and he used an underwater housing to take the shots, but I cannot remember if they had their eyes open, I seem to think they did..if anyone has that book they should be able to tell you.
cheers
grant

[Steve Kaluski]

Cheers Grant, he was the Russian who won the animal portrait section in the Wildlife image of the year with his Bear glare. I only posted this for a bit of fun & from a behavioural POV.

Thanks everyone.

[Pieter de Waal]

Excellent image Steve from both behavioural and technical POV. Nice detail and exposure. Like the expression and pano crop. Nice low angle, does look like you are swimming with the bears.

[Dumay de Boulle]

Great behavior captured with top class IQ as always

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Steve,
Nice behaviour. Love it. The low angle is engaging. It must have been a treat observing these bears. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi