GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
Spirit Bear - I’m here!
When our group arrived to this Spirit Bear’s location, we all peaked over the hill for a first glimpse. The Spirit Bear cocked his head, saw us, and retreated back to his napping spot. Anxiously, the group climbed down into our viewing area, and just as we settled, Spirit Bear arrived. He literally made an entrance on nature’s runway! What a star.
The Spirit Bear
When one first sees a Spirit Bear, a black bear with a recessive gene, one turns into a teenager seeing a rock star for the first time. The difference is you must be quiet. But, the feeling is the same, and quiet gasps and giggles abounded from all age groups. Simultaneously, there is a sense of sanctity. The planning, time and energy to get there, and the generosity of the Kitasoo Xai’Xais tribe, to share and guide us through their land, is to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and history. This bear is one of only 8-60 spirit bears that exist in the world today. That’s it. And they only live here. Nowhere else on earth. This six year old was abandoned by his mother at age one. He’s got a girlfriend, so they’re hoping for a baby Spirit Bear in the near future.
Pristine Serenity
Cruising the ocean from Bella Bella, British Colombia to The Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, is a journey into all that is good. Nature’s gift is the breathtaking abundance of pristine beauty, the sweet inhalation of pure oxygen, and the calming force of serenity embracing the body and soul. The mind is at peace. And the adventure begins…
Black Beauty
The visible white fur on this black bear proves that he has the recessive gene of a Spirit Bear, which means he could sire a Spirit Bear. Unfortunately, not being a full blooded Spirit Bear, it also means he can be hunted. The Kitasoo Xai Xai’s tribe is working to make it illegal to hunt bears with the recessive gene, which always have a visible marking. This beautiful boy is looking back to make sure the Spirit Bear who is dominant in this territory, is going to allow him to fish.
Whale Tale
And what a tale to be told. Deciding to view the whale party from the safety of inside the cabin during a wave thrashing storm, my husband, to his horror, sees that in my complete absorption of the Whale Party and its simultaneous delights, worries that I’m oblivious to any danger of going overboard. Literally. He eyes another couple and their genius technique of the strong and grounded wife holding her photographer husband steady as he shoots breaching whale after breaching whale. They’ve done this before. My husband heroically exits the warm and dry cabin, grabs hold of my waist with one arm the rail with the other, giving me the stability to capture this playful partygoer.
Take Off
In a flurry of feathers, this seagull took off leaving nothing but a swirl of air. I was ecstatic just to capture the moment.
In Your Face
Found one place on earth, in the Great Bear Rainforest, the Spirit Bear, is a sacred animal. Being so close to this unique creature, is possible only because of the protection of the Kitasoo Xai Xai’s. Upon entering the forest, our guide would actually whisper to hidden bears, sometimes meeting them face to face, and ask them politely to allow us to visit. The bears would quietly clear the path for us. There doesn’t have to be human wildlife conflict, if we honor each other.
Fierce Beauty
This black bear has white markings around his mouth and chest that show he has the Spirit Bear recessive gene.
Queen o’ the Hill or A Grizzly Discovery
This magnificent grizzly mother and her two cubs owned the joint. Although we spotted 17 grizzlies in this area, she was undoubtedly, the dominant Grizzly in Charge. Male or female, all fled from her. She sensed every creature in her domain, and having the strut of a true diva, she knew her worth and her place at the top.
Spirit Bear Portrait
Spirit Bear demands respect, awe and stillness by us mere mortals. It is easy to comply.
The Lookout
Spending most of the day hunting for salmon, this black bear balances a fierce athleticism with artistic skill. Here, he displays the ultimate patience as he waits for the next salmon to jump.
Rainforest Flight or Cathedral
Seagulls fill the rainforest backdrop creating visual delight in nature’s cathedral.
Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful
This Spirit Bear dove into the salmon filled river, and climbed out drenched, empty handed and hungry. But, feeling his audience eyes on him and our sense of awe, he struck this irresistible supermodel pose.
This is My Good Side
This photogenic 6 year old Spirit Bear posed effortlessly for his adoring fans, allowing us into his life for a few precious hours.
Damn That Velcro!
The Great Bear Rainforest is filled with islands that yield one delightful surprise after the next. Hanging around a salmon run, I noticed flocks of seagulls flying towards us, diving, then flying back upstream. I’d never seen anything like this before and captured this moment just as the gull was taking off.
Contentment After a Tasty Lunch
Hunting salmon is a full time job, leaping into the river and often coming up empty. It takes enormous skill and determination. This fella looks like the work was worth it and a nap is in order.
Whale, Party of One
The thunderstorm didn’t damper the mood of the Spirit Bear Lodge passengers or of the Whale Party. Surrounding our boat was one breaching whale after another. Fighting to hang onto my camera and my balance, as the boat rocked full tilt in a rainstorm, and witnessing my fellow nature geeks wielding their cameras fearlessly, I was determined to capture at least one breaching whale. My feet on the boat’s rock and roll stern, my yoga practice came into full determined use as I clamored to set my f stop at 5.6 and get my shutter speed to 1/1000. Gotcha!
Spirit Bear Cutie
I was dying to run over to scratch his ears, hug him and rub his tummy. My husband had to hold me back.