Unexpected hiking partners

clawlicious

definitely not a vegan

Photo © (c) 2004 Michael Calanan. All Rights Reserved.

This photo is licensed All Rights Reserved. If you wish to use/publish it contact Michael Calanan / Calanan Photography, LLC / info@calanan.com

Grizzlies on the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
Glacier National Park
Montana

We came across these gorgeous beasts on the way back to the trailhead from Swiftcurrent Pass. Another group of hikers were backtracking after seeing the pair, they were in retreat to warn other hikers heading back to the trailhead. We decided to pair up to make a larger team and slowly advance, making plenty of noise as we walked.

We rounded a bend and they came into view. I was both terrified and awestruck. We stopped then slowly walked backwards, facing them as we did and making even more noise...then it came over me. Safety was no longer my concern, I threw caution to the wind and advanced towards them, shooting as I did...one eye in the viewfinder the other trained on them. They were the epitome of power; It was difficult to regain any sense of self-protection and stop shooting but I finally did.

Eventually (in seconds that seemed like minutes) I came to my senses and rejoined the hiking team. As the bears approached us they turned off-trail, headed into the brush and began to wrestle. What a sight! I tried taking more photos but the brush was too thick for my camera to get a focus. This was the best shot of the lot.

It was an amazing experience that I'll never forget.

calanan.com

This photo has notes. Move your mouse over the photo to see them.

To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and
install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.

Comments

← prev 1 2 next →

(120 comments)

ewitch says:

I have one thing to say: Damn.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

kones says:

You are one crazy mofo! I probably would have slipped in a puddle of urine . . .
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

estacey says:

Awesome
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeremy Farmer Photog says:

that is great
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

figment says:

that is the coolest ever - thank you for getting this shot!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

pajarero says:

Nice shot. Those are actually Black Bears - they're often cinnamon colored like that out west.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Mark Griffith says:

Wow! Those are SOOOOOO much bigger than a black bear.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Dean Forbes says:

pretty brave and stupid thing to do. you got the shot, yes, but at considerable risk.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

ZhenPanda says:

WOW! Awesome shot.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

limone says:

wow!!!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Good times indeed.

I must add that stupid would have been not taking this photograph.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Rub Annie says:

Pajarero's right. They're black bears. They have that classic, Roman snout (Grizzlies have a more up-turned snout and a dish-shaped face.) Grizzlies also have a much more prominant hump on their shoulders. These bears' asses are higher than their shoulders. Lastly, Grizzlies tend to have furrier ears than these black bears. Size matters, but what's the reference here? How do we know that these things are bigger than large dogs? Awesome shot! No doubt about that!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks pajarero and Run Annie for the ursine education, I never knew for sure but assumed (due to color)!

I have corrected the description and removed to grisly...I mean grizzly tags.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

lucky e says:

wonderful story. terrific photo. great fun.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Booknero says:

Good Lord.

I'm not leaving the house today. It's all your fault.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

RobDurfee says:

Great shot. I have seen bears in the wild and wished I had my camera. Well done.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Ylwstonegirl98 says:

Woah! What a shot and what a story, that's an amazing capture.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

~Roger~ says:

Run like hell, please!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Stu Worrall says:

amazing shot and yes, you should have legged it! WOW!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thank you all...I should add that when we rounded the bend of this wide, level trail the bears were not too far off in the distance.

Given that they can run in excess of 30 MPH, my attempting to hoof it back down the trail would only have served to extend their time-to-dinner by only a few seconds. :)

Bear facts

Bear Safety Tips

Black Bear Safety Techniques
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

kones says:

You need only be faster than the people you're with . . .
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

= fill in name = says:

@ koniak - good advice! ;-)

beautiful shot and great story - well done!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

I'm glad I'm still here to tell it.

Though being mauled would be quite a way to go...someone would have quite some story to tell - albeit at my expense!
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Beefus says:

I can COMPLETELY understand and APPRECIATE the adrenalistic photographic urge you had with these guys! Thanks for the story...glad it didn't have a grisly ending.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

"grisly" - nice, Beefus!

Actually, my hiking partner has been doing some research, she's convinced those were indeed grizzlies.

Dang jury...
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

greaterfalls says:

WHOA. Pretty amazing...I'm glad that no one was hurt. Great shot.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

carsten42 - off to ipernity says:

Nicely written and great shot! I understand your feelings. It was similar for me when I met a black bear in Kings Canyon N.P. I think it was not grown up yet, but so I worried a bit more because of the mother... But it was a great sight and experience anyway.
Posted 46 months ago. ( permalink )

Indystone says:

Oh Boy! When you see these boys you would assume they were griz. My wife and I got growled at by a bear that we never identified on this trail in the summer of 2005. After looking at the pic for some time I'm still not convinced that they're blacks.
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

kasmil says:

omyy..!
great shot:)
Posted 45 months ago. ( permalink )

bzido says:

jeez
Posted 42 months ago. ( permalink )

Turnstone says:

Here's an easy way to tell the difference between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bear:
when you see the bear, bounce a rock off of it's head. Then climb a tree. If the bear knocks down the tree and eats you, it's a Grizzly.
If it climbs up the tree and eats you, it's a Black Bear.
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Heh, I like that! I'll try that next time, with honey on my head for added effect. :)
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Timo S. says:

Excellent shot! Chilling story!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

ucumari says:

Whoa! Great story and awesome photo!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks, I'm glad I'm still around to share it!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

bijoubaby says:

please add this (and any other cool) bear photo to my group steven colbert hates bears... sil vous plait (;-D) thanks!! www.flickr.com/groups/75602266@N00/
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

~Leesa says:

Amazing. I've had them in my yard, but usually from the safety of my house. How wild to experience them this way :)
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks for the invite, bijoubaby and sorry for the delay.

In your yard? Wow, I think that would scare me more. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

bijoubaby says:

thanks for supporting bears and colbert, and adding to the perfect pool of "stephen colbert" opinion memory permanent ... temporary lapse of judgement
Posted 38 months ago. ( permalink )

floato says:

Scary!
You would be welcome to post this photo in
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

D Jap says:

Dude you are one crazy guy!! i thought you where using one of those long telephoto lens but no you had it at 50mm that is insanely to close for me! but hey you have balls thats all i have ot say
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

vorm [deleted] says:

if i only saw that photo, without the story, i would have thought this would be the last photo in this man's life. Glad you survived. The photo is more than worthy a fave.
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

lindagaulke says:

The question is, if they attacked would you use your camera for defense, or go for the shot..........
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

ucumari says:

Wonderful photo and story! Thanks for sharing!

~ Please add you wonderful Bear photo to ~

Bears of the World
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

.kim & dan. says:

woah!
Posted 34 months ago. ( permalink )

madwithstars says:

fantastic shot....even better when i know the story behind it!! youre very lucky, to have witnessed nature so full on....and to be around to share it with us!
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

CitroenDS Bessie says:

Living in England, I'm always astonished that anyone would ever go into a huge forest that may have one bear, somewhere, anywhere. Your story really illustrates the danger - seeing them and having to backtrack, etc. I freely admit I would be a Grade A coward in a bear forest; you, however, I suspect are slightly mad.
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

alacrity_danger says:

you are insane! but it certainly paid off. this is an amazing shot.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Chico Bello says:

Great pic : )
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

januszhiker says:

Black bears can be as dangerous as grizzlies. Backpacking in Glacier National Park in 2004 and in Bob Marshall Wilderness in 2005 ( 10 days in wilderness alone) I saw only one grizz. He allowed me only 2 seconds of a video shut.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

hoagie delicious says:

i don't know, you sure they're black bears? i kinda think they look like panda bears.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

LaneyButler says:

wow! what a moment to catch! Those are some big dudes!
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

lovestitches says:

wow, what a great photo, it really captures the experience and what a COOL story!
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

little tiger-lily says:

I used to live in Ronan, MT. We went to Glacier several times, but I never got that close to big bears. The only bears I saw were Black Bears, but they are sure beautiful!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks so much everyone.

i kinda think they look like panda bears

Spot on. :)
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Cricce says:

WOW! That's one awesome capture! Good thing you got home to tell the tail; and with proof ;D

--
Found in a search. (?)
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

thekymc says:

amazing!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Christophe Mendes says:

Oops! :-(
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

x_koti says:

WOW and they didn't attack you guys :O bears are incredibly beautiful aren't they.
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

T-Lee says:

Wow! This is incredible! We were hiking in Alberta last week, but never came upon any bears. But like you, I had wondered whether I'd panic and retreat, or start taking pictures! We were told if we came upon an aggressive (Grizzly) bear, you shouldn't run, but play dead, if joining together to seem bigger didn't work. I'm glad I didn't have to play dead, because I honestly don't think I could have done it!
Posted 18 months ago. ( permalink )

Dead Air says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Weekly Theme Photography, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

This Week's Theme is "Unexpected"!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

Stephen & Jeris says:

Wow! Great Picture! Glad you had the composure to take the photo.

While I wouldn't advocate shooting the animals...I am glad they are looking to allow firearms in the State/National Parks! I would rather empty a magazine into the animal (after trying to back away, make noise, etc...)... then lay on the ground, play dead and be dead!
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

340s says:

Unbelievable capture, and story.
Three cubs found us on a trail in Shenadoah Nat Park last year. Then mama showed up. The were Black not Griz
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

HIZ DOT says:

I'm speechless! What a story! Thank you for sharing. Instant FAV!!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

telmo32 says:

Amazing..and scary..!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

melcir.meri says:

Perhaps they'd just dined on previous hikers! They look content ... :-)
Be a strong Earthcare ACTIONS! presence in your area!!!! Great image!!
Help to create a paradise on Earth where all can survive.
~ Be carbon neutral every day. Reduce greenhouse emissions. You are awarded the

***Volunteers in Earthcare ACTIONS! ~ FIRST-THE EARTH! Photo-ART group

EARTHCARE : LIVING-IN-NATURE ~ ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS AWARD

Spread the "Volunteers in Earthcare ACTIONS!!"team-spirit!!
Create local EARTH-HOUR & EARTH-DAY '09 events.
Volunteer! ~ Invite helpers. Clear waterways! Plant trees!!
Copy, tag -- "firsttheearth". Give 2 AWARDS, Comments & FAVES per entry.
GO GREEN IN '09 ~ YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL ACTION FOR PLANET EARTH!!!
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

travis135_w says:

very nice
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

Ali1364 says:

I am really frightened!!
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

jakerome says:

Whoa.
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

Miss Nikski says:

double whoa
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

krichc says:

"You need only be faster than the people you're with . . . "

exactly... or somehow make yourself appear to be less tasty.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

inneri says:

Beautiful photo. Incredible capture

fellow lover of hiking, backpacking, or camping the Western United states, bring your photos hither, and join my group

www.flickr.com/groups/hiking_the_western_unit ed_states/

Show us where you've been, and share your favorite hikes, gear, stories, and experiences.
We all know that you haven't lived unless you've hiked the Western states. Meet others who feel the same.
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

Then There Were 3 (Wudke) says:

Remarkable! Nature is awe inspiring - what a terrific find! Thanks for sharing.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

gabigabs1111 (on European Adventure) says:

What an experience! Awesome photo.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

Christophe Mendes says:

Fake! Fake! Fake!...Of course ! :P
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks, everyone!

Fake? Certainly not.
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

Christophe Mendes says:

I joke, that is so incredible ! :)
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

sousagraphy sorry most pictures temporary unavaila says:

awesome shot, beautiful animals, unbelievable experience for sure,,thanks for sharing man !!

just last night i downloaded some pics of hikes i did in a territory where i could run into those guys and i remember felling empowered because i had this huge can of bear pepper spray that cost me 55 bucks,,,, :)) Now i feel that i want my money back :))
Posted 7 months ago. ( permalink )

saxaphonium says:

Bears are far less dangerous than they are made out to be. I have run into bears on more than one occasion on the trail (being an avid outdoorsman) and I have never felt threatened in the least. Granted, I have been hiking in areas where bears are less prone to human contact, which is the greatest cause of them becoming unpredictable and aggressive. Great shot!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

barnstormeffect says:

This is an amazing shot. We hope you'll consider adding it to the [Re]Evolver photo group .
[Re]Evolver is a new group on flickr of photos promoting sustainability and the outdoors. Please join and add any of your wonderful images that you would like to share.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

jabezcreed says:

That's not intimidating at all...
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

jakerome says:

Oh goody. Time to get out that wish list Mike! Maybe they'll trade for a new Prius.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

Scott Stringham "Rustling Leaf Design" says:

did you have your bells on? Excellent shot.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

CountSaturn says:

Wow Mike, that is awesome and your story makes it that much better. I think it trumps my game ride a few years ago where we turned a corner and a giraffe was just standing there munching on a tree (something ya just don't see everyday). Hey, at least I can thank FSTRF for something.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

Scott Stringham "Rustling Leaf Design" says:

at lease the link from 4runner should give you extra traffic.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks, Scott, but I fail to see how extra hits to Flickr benefit me as much - if at all - as this "interesting" photo (currently #33 in interestingness) benefits Toyota and their 4Runner campaign.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

Scott Stringham "Rustling Leaf Design" says:

i posted the question in the help forum is it ethical to use photo for a commercial purpose. will be interesting to see.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

kones says:

Toyota should compensate anyone whose images they are "borrowing" for this social media ad campaign.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

Scott Stringham "Rustling Leaf Design" says:

www.flickr.com/help/forum/en-us/111630/
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

nakagain says:

This photo makes me miss Alaska. Having said that, Toyota needs to own up and pay up.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

SurfDaddy says:

This is a dangerous shot to take, and has obvious value beyond a typical advert.
Do not contact Toyota before getting a lawyer.
FM sent.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

Arty Smokes says:

Send Toyota an invoice for $5000. That should result in the site being pulled PDQ.
--
http://www.toyota.com/new4runner/ (?)
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

SurfDaddy says:

This is not a 5,000 shot...
hold on this one Mike.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Thanks, everyone. FYI there are also discussions at:

www.flickr.com/photos/calanan/4074191630/

www.flickr.com/help/forum/en-us/111630
www.flickr.com/groups/nomorefreephotos/discus s/7215762260...

tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ASMPproAdvice/mes sage/9529

And on Twitter via @calanan.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

Daryl L. Hunter - The Hole Picture says:

Michael, great shot I can understand why Toyota wanted to steal if from you.
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

calanan says:

Though I have not yet been contacted by Toyota directly, I just received a Twitter update from them stating:

twitter.com/Toyota/statuses/5424392180

"@calanan @Photo_John @stuartzero We're currently pulling the photos and will be in contact with each photography who was represented."

So much for the licensing/usage invoice I was drafting. :(
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

dmourati says:

Better get in your 4runner and drive away quick!

--
http://www.toyota.com/new4runner/ (?)
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

← prev 1 2 next →

(120 comments)

Would you like to comment?

[?]

	calanan's photostream
		5,645 uploads

This photo also belongs to:

	In my travels (Set)
		120 items

	all (Set)
		50 items

	Nature (Set)
		50 items
	Part of: My Portfolio Collection

	National Parks and Forests (Set)
		34 items

	The Big Sky (Pool)
		0

	Glacier National Park (Pool)
		0

	All Montana (Pool)
		0

	Wild Bears (Pool)
		0

	Olympus Camedia C-2100 UZ (Limit 3/day) (Pool)
		0

	stephen colbert hates bears (Pool)
		0

1 gallery contains this photo

129 people call this photo a favorite

Additional Information

Taken with an Olympus C2100UZ.
More properties
Taken on July 5, 2004
Viewed 8,035 times
Replaced on November 17, 2009

Add to your map

Yay location removed

...

(Some formats are OK.)

Or, remove it from the map.

Go to the map

You	Sign in \| Create Your Free Account
Explore	Places \| Last 7 Days \| This Month \| Popular Tags \| The Commons \| Creative Commons \| Search
Help	Community Guidelines \| The Help Forum \| FAQ \| Sitemap \| Get Help