In a bit of a role reversal from what we are used to, at Seal River Lodge in northern Manitoba, Canada, the humans are the ones caged in while the polar bears roam free. While not out on guided hikes, guests are free to view and photograph bears from the safety of a fenced in backyard. Bears are often just outside the fence, attracted by all the interesting smells coming from the lodge and its guests. This large male was peering over the raised viewing platform inside that backyard. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 35mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/400th of a second
Certainly one of my favorite trips. Polar bear winter season is short. Between mid October and mid November when they are all waiting around for the Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can go hunt for seals.
Hi Mary. Yes, you fly into Churchill, but then take a small plane another half hour or so north. Just a single lodge on the tundra. With plenty of bears.
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In a bit of a role reversal from what we are used to, at Seal River Lodge in northern Manitoba, Canada, the humans are the ones caged in while the polar bears roam free. While not out on guided hikes, guests are free to view and photograph bears from the safety of a fenced in backyard. Bears are often just outside the fence, attracted by all the interesting smells coming from the lodge and its guests. This large male was peering over the raised viewing platform inside that backyard.
That’s a really cool shot, Sean! Just how close were you to that bear’s “extra large olive”?
Oh, I ‘d say about two feet or so. Had to take the strap off the camera so the bear wouldn’t grab it.
—– Cage kept these must be
—– Dangerous and strange they smell
—– Could that be Gore Tex ?
Interesting place.
I would love to visit some day.
Certainly one of my favorite trips. Polar bear winter season is short. Between mid October and mid November when they are all waiting around for the Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can go hunt for seals.
Oh I bet that was fun, so close. Churchill? Thanks for including the lodge name.
Hi Mary. Yes, you fly into Churchill, but then take a small plane another half hour or so north. Just a single lodge on the tundra. With plenty of bears.
Must be thrilling to have the animals come to you! Great shot!
Sure was. But nothing like being on the other side of the fence with them. I, of course, was within the safety of a tight 14 individual group.
Cool shot. I can tell from your camera settings that this was pretty close!
Thanks Rachel. Yes, I’d say about two feet from the bear’s face.
One doesn’t often see such a wide-angle close-up of a Polar Bear. Love it.