Today I met Grizzly 64

This morning May 31, 2012 I was up and out the door at 6 ish, off looking for photo op’s in Banff National Park. Along the way I made a quick stop at Tim Hortons for a little Java to keep me from falling asleep from boredom, if it is that kind of day. On the exit from Tim’s I spot a Wolf near the Visitor Centre, but he was too fast to get any snaps. Right then I knew it was going to be a great day!

About a dozen minutes later I arrive on my little circuit and run into a very famous 23 year old Grizzly Bear, # 64 (GPS collar). There she is grazing next to the road, hidden by the willows but the yellow ear tag catches my attention. And wow she has the company of her 3 yearling cubs. I sat in my vehicle and photographed these amazing animals for 35 minutes, until she took her trio and bedded down for a snooze.

The only human activity other than myself was a cyclist that went by. I cautioned him and pointed to the bears as he rode by. I know he rode away with very wobbly knees!

For the complete album Goto The Picture Window

Read article on Bear 64 – Rocky Mountain Outlook

Enjoy!

As I drove by what caught my eye of Bear 64 was the yellow 64 tag in her ear!
Photo by J.Borno

She exited from the bushes first, and stood on the road checking me out!
Photo by J.Borno

As she stood guard, the cubs joined her on the roadway one at a time.
Photo by J.Borno

The cubs are very curious but never approached.
Photo by J.Borno

Grizzly Bear 64 has three yearling cubs (they were born last year)
Photo by J.Borno

One thought could be – OH SHIT my little car is going to get it!
Photo by J.Borno

Then she leads the little Grizzly Bears up the rocky bank.
Photo by J.Borno

Bear 64 is preparing a bed for her and her cubs – They all cuddled up and went to sleep. I left.
Photo by J.Borno

On the way out I ran into a Parks Canada employee who was on the lookout for the group of Bruins, so I lead them back 3 kms to their sleeping spot.