Grizzlies
These photos were all taken in The Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia. This is a 6.4 million hector section of coastline that spans from Knight Inlet to Alaska. Although the majestic bears that roam these landscapes are important components to this special place, every species here has a role in its vitality including the Pacific salmon, the ancient western red cedars, and the microbial communities deep underground.
Many people ask why we need species like grizzlies on this planet. I think that it is for the sense of humility, wonder and vulnerability that we feel around them. For me, Doug Peacock sums it up perfectly when he says that they are:
"A species that anchors your attention and gets you out of yourself....The one animal that can remind the most arrogant fucking species on Earth what their true place is on the Earth, in nature, in their own hearts."
Kermode Bears
The white phase of the kermode, also known as a spirit bear or Moksgm’ol by local First Nation Bands, is unique to the Northern Coast of British Columbia. It is said that Raven made every tenth black bear white so that people would be reminded of when the land was covered in glaciers. Being in their presence is something that is hard to explain, but I have never used the word magic more than when I have been in their home.
What's in the Box?
Working with wolverines has allowed me to see some really unique parts of the world and unique wildlife as well. While working in NW Ontario I tried to capture some of the critters we caught in our live traps on video.
When most people hear the word wolverine they picture Hugh Jackman or think you are referring to a wolf. Few people actually know what the largest terrestrial member of the mustelid family looks like, and fewer yet have seen one face to face. Wolverines (Gulo gulo ) are enigmatic creatures with a reputation as the “badass of the north". They have been known to climb the highest peaks in Glacier National Park, and there is record of them encompassing home ranges up to 1,000 square miles. They are equipped with powerful jaws they use for devouring carrion and crunching bones apart to access marrow. Sometimes these bones belong to prey which dwarf them in size including moose and bears. Although these wily critters are tough and can be intimidating, they are often misunderstood and in need of protection.