27"x18", Limited Edition 75, Giclée Print on Premium Hahnemuehle Fine Art Pearl Paper

Heading Out to Clam on the Mud Flats.

Alaskan Brown Bear Sow and Cub, Cook's Inlet, Alaska

In 2016, I was able to spend 10 glorious weeks exploring Alaska.  Some of the most memorable days were spent photographing Alaskan Brown Bear sows and cubs on the tidal mud flats along Cook's Inlet.  Before the salmon begin to run or the area berries ripen, mother bears follow the age-old tradition of bringing their cubs down to the beach each time the tides go out, to teach them how to go clamming for Razor Clams. 

It was so much fun to watch the different techniques the various females employed.  Some would roll the clams underfoot until they broke, while others would scoop the clam into the top of their foot and roll it.  I found myself wondering if this was an individual trial and error process, or if each sow was imitating the techniques her own mother had employed to get to the tasty clams.