One of my goals as a nature photographer was to *safely* photograph a grizzly bear. Not in a zoo but in their natural habitat. Naturally, Yellowstone National Park seemed like a good option, but I had been turned off by the legendary crowds, and I assumed it would be like a large zoo of people. Regardless, I wanted to get my grizzly photo, so I planned a trip with my wife, rented a long lens, and headed out.
I was wrong about Yellowstone. It was a magical experience that felt like stepping back in time to the land before man arrived. Steam rose from the ground, herds of bison crossed the Yellowstone River, and a low cloud cover added a softness to the experience. I went in the fall and found the crowds to be much less than I expected.
The challenge was that I only had two days to find my grizzly.
We drove all over the park, exploring the different trails and valleys - waiting and watching. Many recommend Lamar Valley for the most wildlife activity, so we spent some time there, but I didn’t see any bears. Finally, as it was nearing sunset, we drove into Hayden Valley. As we descended, we saw a crowd forming, which is usually a sign that there is a critter of note in the area. We pulled over, and I grabbed my camera kit and ran for the edge of the valley. Just across the river and the tall grass was a beautiful, blond grizzly. She was working her way across the valley, foraging for treats and keeping an eye on the growing crowd. Thankfully, I had the right lens, the right time of day, and the right location to get some amazing photos of this beautiful animal.
It was a rewarding experience, and I can’t wait to get back to Yellowstone again.
