Something tells me that dandelion isn’t long for this world.
It’s fun to make assumptions. And much easier than waiting to get the facts. The only problem is that whenever I’ve assumed anything over the last while, it turned out to be wrong. I was sure my wife would be happy to clean up after I left things lying around …
Sometimes assumptions are not entirely wrong – the truth is just more complicated. That’s a shakey foundation to start if you’re trying to build a reliable foundation.
When you first looked at the photo above, it’s possible you assumed it was just another bear in a cage, or perhaps an impressive grizzly in captivity. If you follow this blog, you may have wondered what was going on. After all, Krahnpix is supposed to be all about wild animals and it is not particularly wild about zoo photos.
The truth? The photo is of a wild grizzly. The fence is on the side of a Banff National Park highway to keep wildlife off the road. There are a number of underground and overhead locations where animals can cross the road and there are no fences anywhere behind the bear. It is free to roam and even leave the massive park.
As I was taking a few shots of this gorgeous animal I got a little frustrated with all the wires. I began to wonder how the tables got turned and I managed to get behind the fence!
Now if you assumed this was a powerful grizzly that pretty much gets what it wants, that would likely be true. That was also one of a few good reasons to stay in my vehicle rather than walk up close, annoy the bear and assume there were no holes in the fence …
Krahnpix 
Another great Photo!!!
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Thank you. It was a great location.
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It is nice to have the context of reality too sometimes. The bear didn’t look like it was all that perturbed by the wire fence, but it is definitely generally a foreign concept when considering national parks and ‘wild’life!
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The reality in a national park is that humans and wildlife share some of the areas and some unparklike measures are needed. It is a difficult balancing act.
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Interesting. What an amazingly massive animal!!
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There are muscles there in all kinds of places! And not just anyone looks good behind wires.
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What an impressive creature – fence or no fence. Of course, you would have loved to dismantle it (the fence, I mean!) for that shot – but as you say, it’s still a keeper. You’ve had a good run with bears this year…
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I really have been fortunate with bears this year, especially in Banff. Obviously not all sitings translate into photos but one day we saw seven bears. That, is a great day!
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I have experienced this same effect with elk in a nearby valley – they are definitely not caged. Amazing beast, even through a fence.
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It really is amazing though it makes for a completely different look.
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Bears are amazing! Even through a fence.
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I agree. That’s why I still posted it.
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I definitely thought it was a zoo photo Lyle. But that confused me since I know you don’t like zoos. I don’t like them at all, but I used to sort of like them.
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I still find the wire mesh jarring but I loved the bear so decided to post it.
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That’s a radio collar? I assumed that Apple was now producing an iPod for bears.
I admit to being a little confused when I saw the first photo. I wondered if perhaps you were dangling in a cage, like the ones that divers use who want to see a shark up close (how crazy is that?).
Your photos of the wild grizzly are wonderful, because they allow us to share part of your experience. In many ways, though, photos, no matter how good they are, are a poor substitute for being there in person. So many details of the sights, sounds, and smells can never be conveyed to another–they can only be experienced in the moment. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down and take in the experience and not concentrate quite so much on recording them with my camera.
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An iPod for bears is a wonderful idea!
It’s funny but I actually thot of those wildlife viewing situations where they put tourists in a cage and go on safari. Quite amusing but I couldn’t quite work it into the story.
I’m glad you see the photos as sharing the experience but I completely agree there is nothing quite like being there. Slowing down to enjoy it all is something I think I am improving on. I also think I can thoroughly enjoy many scenes even while watching through the lens – my memory of viewing all those hunting jumps the fox made in Yellowstone come to mind.
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Such powerful capture at the grizzly bear. looks in cool mind.
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Thanks so much. I thoroughly enjoy finding and watching those amazing creatures.
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I was glad to have thick glass between myself and the grizzlies I took pictures of at the Toronto Zoo. No wires 🙂
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Yes they are amazingly powerful and when they set their minds to it, can do amazing damage.
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He has more ID on him than our cattle!
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That’s probably representative of the proportionate concern. Given the limited numbers of grizzlies, there is concern about the deaths every year on railway tracks and roads, the park staff are continually trying to learn more about their behaviour find ways for humans and bears to co-exist. Though the number of times they are handled is limited.
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Are grizzlies really very dangerous or do they have a bad public relations manager? (By the way our litter of puppies have bear names at the moment: Panda Bear, Polar Bear, Big Bear, Serena Bear (long story), Teddy Bear and Grizzly Bear!!)
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Both are really true. Grizzlies are 99% of the time disinterested in humans, but it’s that 1% that gets REALLY dangerous.
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Like usual Mike is right. If bears were out to get humans it would be carnage since they have many opportunities but they typically go the other direction. The obvious exceptions are when people foolishly leave food in areas like tents, the bears become accustomed to people and when bears feel their cubs are threatened when hikers would surprise a bear family or get between the bear and cubs. Given the very few but dramatic situations, they could use a good public relations manager! Great names for your puppies.
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Thanks guys – I’m a little more educated now. Obviously there are no grizzlies in Australia.
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Actually, I assumed and my assumption was correct. Sometimes ya’ just get lucky. 🙂
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Good for you! Maybe you subconsciously picked up on some of the clues like the radio collar on the bear.
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You’re up in one of my favorite spots in the world. Hope you can continue on up into Jasper. Beautiful catch of the grizzly… fence or no fence. It almost looks cuddly in that first shot.
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We were up there in June and it’s certainly one of my favourite spots too. That road to Jasper is absolutely wonderful when the clouds aren’t blocking the view. I have grown to like the grizzly even with the fence.
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