"MOUNTAIN RETREAT - POOL INCLUDED"

Grizzly Bear (Adult & Sub-Adults) - 6 Photos

Rocky Mountains, Alberta

N.B. All photos taken from a safe distance with a long lens & from a safe location.

At first glance, having rounded the corner, it was ducks splashing in a mountain pool. It was overcast and getting on towards sunset.

And then the brain kicked in, with the realization that it was, in fact, three young Grizzly Bears with their mother engaging in some water hijinks on a somewhat warm late afternoon. Although it may look like ferocious activity, it was definitely all boisterous fun, even Mum taking part before heading back to shore to resume eating (Photo #1 & Photo #2). 

And then there was the largest of the three youngsters, who was bringing up grass from the bottom of the pool with his/her feet and munching while adopting a more reclining pose (Photo #3). 

The pool didn't appear extremely deep but the water level was enough to allow four bears to stand up on their back feet with just their heads protruding (Photo #4 through Photo #6). 

All good fun but all good practice for other bear activities and encounters in the future, when these youngsters have left the protection of their mother, which will be next Spring when they emerge from their family den for the last time. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6