The Bear
by Everet Regal
Title
The Bear
Artist
Everet Regal
Medium
Photograph
Description
My greatest experience with a black bear, was without a doubt, this bear. I was excited to find him/her after a short hike and spent almost 3 hours watching him eat acorns, with no one else around. It was exactly what I look for and hope for, when I am out photographing wildlife. Many animals like deer or fox, are nervous and skittish, as their first and best form of defense, is fleeing from threats. Adult bears are different. They are calm, confident and unconcerned, as long as they do not feel intimidated or threatened.
As with all animals, you recognize and respect that you are in their space and you do everything you can to become part of their world, without influencing their behavior or causing them any concern. Over a period of 3 hours, I watched and observed the mannerisms of this bear. He never once changed what he was doing or how he was doing it. He watched me come in, set up my camera and occasionally glanced at me, as I re-positioned myself numerous times for a clear line of sight. I could hear him crunching acorns and each time he sat to scratch behind his ear, it sounded like a catchers mitt being scrapped across a rough, concrete wall.
At one point, pertaining to this photo, he happened upon a direct line toward me. Bears move slowly and eat every acorn they can find, when they are feeding. Over a period of time he got closer and closer, until I could easily hear his breathing and his soft, quiet feet shuffling through the dry leaves on the forest floor. He wasn't coming over to me specifically, I just happened to be in his current line of travel. When he got within 40-50 feet and still moving directly at me, I shot as many photos as I could at 200 mm, then I stood up, moved myself and my tripod about 15 feet to the side and back through the branches and brush I was in. At that point, he changed direction slightly and I was no longer in his path. At no time did he act any differently or change what he was doing or how he was doing it. I knew long before this moment, that he had accepted me in his space and he knew that I was no threat to him.
Bears are dominant in the woods and expect everything else to step out of their way. It was exciting, I felt privileged, and I learned from the experience. I truly believe that had he not changed his direction, he would have simply passed on by, in his slow, relaxed manner. I hope to have many more experiences like this, but as with any interaction with wildlife, I may never get the opportunity again. One thing for sure, I'll never forget it and I'll always be grateful for being accepted into his personal, private space.
Uploaded
October 11th, 2016
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