Black Bear at Cades Cove
by Dick Hudson
Title
Black Bear at Cades Cove
Artist
Dick Hudson
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A black bear, in the Smokey Mountains at Cades Cove. This female was staring steadfastly at me as I was standing quietly in a shaded area less than 20-feet away. My camera was off flash, but I decided to add flash when the bear entered a shady spot. At the flash, the hair on the back of the bear's neck raised, and I did a slow, but steady retreat. The bear was staring at me intently.
This close encounter was exciting, and probably dangerous, because these bears can make 20 feet in just a few bounds. I do not think I will ever be this close to an adult black bear again. I feel lucky to have been able to capture this magnificent animal on film.
Uploaded
April 25th, 2016
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Comments (7)
Webb Canepa
Nice shot Dick...I love too find bears in the wild...awesome catch.
Dick Hudson replied:
Thanks, Webb. I believe that the bear was used to people. But then, I am used to Baby Back Ribs. Fortunately, I survived.
Emmy Vickers
Wow Dick, incredible up close capture of this black bear. Love the front view. I, too thought maybe you captured this with a long lens. Wow, only 20 ft away....scary and exhilarating at the same time. That is a little too close for my comfort. Love the facial expression and those small eyes. She certainly does look intently focused on you. She also seems a little startled as some of her fur near the head is standing up like on a cat. Great detail my friend. Also great idea in blurring some of the background. Definitely a once in a lifetime capture. Love it love it! Great job! l/v/fave/tweeted.
Dick Hudson replied:
Thanks, Emmy. I had my walkaround Nikkor 18 - 300 lens. It gave me the ability to have a tight field of view, and the camera did the work in blurring the background. I think my bravery comes from being around so many alligators in Florida. Maybe I should be more careful. Glad you liked it.
Steve Purnell
Wow, a once in a lifetime capture. Glad that you escaped unharmed as before I read your caption I was thinking 'I hope he shot that with a very long lens'. l/f
Dick Hudson replied:
Thank you, Steve. The true secret is not how close you are. You just need to make sure that someone else is closer.
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