23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Hands Down
A coastal brown bear on the mud flats inspects the fruits of its labour. With an incredible sense of smell, the bears locate the razor clams buried in the mud below and with powerful front paws and claws, dig the clams out of the mud. The bears then exhibit incredible dexterity, in delicately prying open the shells with their claws to access its nutritious contents. They even balance the open shells on top of a paw, like a dinner plate.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 07.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 12.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Alaska, United States of America |
| Camera: | Canon EOS R5m2 |
| Copyright: | © Deborah Russell |
Awards
| Photo of the Day: 03.20.26 |