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 prising opening the shells with their claws to access its nutrious contents. They even balance the open shells on top of a paw, like a dinner plate, to consume the ta

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Alaska, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS R5m2
Copyright: © Deborah Russell