"Luther" yawns after eating many salmon during the day. "Luther" is just below the lower viewing pad at McNeil. At the lower pad the bears can get really close to the photographers. Bears walk by as close as several feet on their way past the viewing pad. The group would switch between the upper viewing pad and the lower pad every few hours. This gives everyone a chance to get really close to the bears if they want. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Kodak E200 film. I used Kodak E200 when the light was low and needed an extra stop of light.

There are many great photographic opportunities to photograph cubs with their mom's at McNeil. Here is one of the many photos I have of "Teddy" and "Tuffy". "Tuffy" got her name from her strange behavior she expresses when she is around other large males. She will approach them with out fear and stand her ground. Biologist originally thought "Tuffy" was a male, since the name fit the left it with her. Mom and cub enjoy a nap just below the lower falls viewing pad. After a tough day fishing, nothing like a nap! Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Kodak E200 film.

Two cubs follow mom within a few feet of the viewing pad at the upper falls of McNeil. Cubs are very cautious at the falls due to the large numbers of males fishing there. Males will attack females and cubs to defend their fishing spots. Fights are not unusual at McNeil, but we did not see any while we were there. The cubs came by so close in the photo here, that I was unable to get mom in the photo. They were right behind mom, and looking very cautiously at the male bears around them. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF, Fuji Provia film.

"Mouse" and her cub "Annette" are bringing their catch to the bank to eat. Lucky us, right in front of us less than 20 feet. This would go on for 30 minutes to an hour before they would decide to go on up stream or take a nap. Nikon F4s, Nikkor 300 2.8 EDIF with TC-14B, Fuji Velvia film.

... more bears..