Traveling across the slopes of Mt Washburn in the heart of Yellowstone I ran across a mama bear and her two cubs. Mama was climbing trees in search of those ever so tasty pine cones. She was in the high branches, tossing the cones to the ground, where her little ones were eagerly awaiting their meals. For a while you could hardly see her through the branches. As she began to descend I was able to train my lens on her, and as she descended one of her cubs began to climb. The highlight of those few moments for me, was later watching the cubs briefly engage in some playful banter in the snow.
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nomadruss in words and photos 
It must be amazing feeling being able to observe this majestic animals in their natural habitat. Gorgeous photos!
One of the best things about photography is the time I get to spend with animals. With a camera I tend to stay with them, or wait for them, much longer than I otherwise would.
I second Urska’s comment, What great captures.. thank you!
Thanks!
How far away were you? Can I assume that mama knew you were there? What fun – love the photos, Russ.
I was about 75 yards away. That was shot with a 200-500mm lens. The cubs shot I cropped in a lot. I generally don’t crop at all, but I wanted to get in to these little ones. Mama knew. I didn’t include the shot of her staring at the gathered photographers.
I get really nervous around mama animals and their babies. But you had a little advantage in numbers. And I also understand how the brain thinks a photograph is more important than the danger. I get hassled about getting too close to alligators.
Well, I was out there working as a park ranger, so I did pretty good in terms of staying the requisite distance away. I pretty much had too. That didn’t always make it easier though.
How about when you are not in your park ranger role? 🙂
Oh, that’s what I meant. I wasn’t in that role during this shoot. But having the mind of a ranger, I’m still cognizant of being a role model even when not in uniform.
Excellent shots!
Thanks Belinda!
Amazing Captures, Good Job
Thank you!
Just as they have done for thousands of years.
Yes, yes.
so cute!!!!
The black bears are amazing! Also, great photos! Check out my most recent post https://rose24blog.wordpress.com/2017/01/10/we-must-amend-our-planet/ -Rose24xxx
We were definitely given to care for the planet, and she needs all the advocates she can get…
Beautiful pictures!!
thank you!
Great pictures. Too bad cannot reblog on wordpress like we used to…. Have no facebook account. Best
That is too bad. Sometimes the changes from Automattic, the group that now owns WordPress can be less can be less than favorable.
What an amazing thing to encounter!!
It really was, thanks!
Wow! What a neat experience. The pictures you took are beautiful.
It really was, thanks!
Great photos and experience. Glad you stayed mindful of ma bear because they can get down right ornery when it comes to their little ones.
Always keep distance and use a long lens.