18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear Mother Leading Her New Cubs to Clamming Spot

We traveled to Alaska during the summer of 2020. We took a bush plane to Lake Clark National Park/Chinitna Bay area. Usually there are a few more people, but due to the virus, it was just me, my husband and 14-year-old son with our bush pilot. It was a photographers dream day, with light being crisp and bright with no haze. There were about 20 bears spread out in low tide and us. Quite overwhelming for us as our guide only carried flares in the event of a bear being interested in us. I captured this beautiful mother bear leading her two new cubs claiming a spot. The littlest one in the rear was at a gallop to keep up. It was an unbelievable experience.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2020
Date Uploaded: 08.2020
Photo Location: Lake Chinitna Bay, Alaska, United States of America
Copyright: © Marianne Barnett
Awards
Photo of the Day: 09.04.20