19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
King of the River

While watching bears at the McNeil River Sanctuary, a dominant male named Chops emerged from the woods and made his presence known. Every other bear in the river retreated as he sauntered to his favorite fishing spot. Body language and an imposing presence speaks volumes in the bear world.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Kokhanok (nearest city), Alaska, United States of America
Copyright: © Rylee Jensen