Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Thirsty

We had not seen any polar bears on our multi-day expedition to photograph polar bears in spring light in April in Svalbard until we spotted this male, on the next to the last day. It was my first time ever seeing a polar bear. From zodiacs were were able to watch him as he walked and drank at the edge of the sea ice.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: zodiac, Norway
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Debbie McCulliss