Grizzly Bears: A Multi-faceted Story
- Jul 26, 2023
- Canadiana
- 3 min read
We’ve all heard that there are few things more fearsome than a mama bear.
But, in the absence of perceived threats, a sow will reveal her softer side, nurturing her young through their first three years of life and imparting the lessons needed to ensure their survival.
It turns out that grizzly bear mothers have many dimensions of behaviour and are not just the fearsome, snarling creatures you hope to never accidentally encounter in our vast Canadian wilderness.
According to Canadian professional photographer, Michelle Valberg, “Mother bears fiercely defend their young by displaying defensive postures, growling, and even charging or attacking if necessary. Their maternal instincts drive them to go to great lengths to ensure the survival and well-being of their cubs. I have seen a momma bear send her cubs up the tree to keep them away from another male.”
However, having made it her life’s work to find and document Canada’s greatest wildlife over the past 30 years; Michelle has also experienced the incredible bond between mothers and their offspring as up close and personal as one dare get.
All photos featured in this article are credited to Michelle Valberg
We’ve all heard that there are few things more fearsome than a mama bear.
But, in the absence of perceived threats, a sow will reveal her softer side, nurturing her young through their first three years of life and imparting the lessons needed to ensure their survival.
It turns out that grizzly bear mothers have many dimensions of behaviour and are not just the fearsome, snarling creatures you hope to never accidentally encounter in our vast Canadian wilderness.
According to Canadian professional photographer, Michelle Valberg, “Mother bears fiercely defend their young by displaying defensive postures, growling, and even charging or attacking if necessary. Their maternal instincts drive them to go to great lengths to ensure the survival and well-being of their cubs. I have seen a momma bear send her cubs up the tree to keep them away from another male.”
However, having made it her life’s work to find and document Canada’s greatest wildlife over the past 30 years; Michelle has also experienced the incredible bond between mothers and their offspring as up close and personal as one dare get.
Dimensions of behaviours
Travelling to the famed Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, located 45 kilometres northeast of Prince Rupert on BC's northern coast, Michelle has witnessed a range of social behaviours. From mating rituals to leadership vacuums caused by the passing of alpha males and the social consequences of that loss, and every kind of behaviour in between, Michelle has observed a myriad of intimate moments through her camera lens.
“Reflecting back on my initial visit to this magical place, I recall encountering a mother bear accompanied by her two cubs, affectionately referred to as Coys. These little ones were incredibly tiny and exuded an undeniable beauty. The mother bear displayed a heightened sense of vigilance and protectiveness, ensuring the safety of her precious offspring. It was a privilege to be allowed to observe and spend time with them, witnessing their behavior first hand. The memory of that encounter holds a special place in my heart, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and valuing the natural world, particularly in light of the changes and uncertainties it faces.”
These warm interactions between a mother and her cubs are made all the more precious by the knowledge that they are so fleeting. Like all parents, grizzly bear mothers can’t protect their young forever. Soon, they will need to find their own way and build their own families ensuring the survival of their lineage. This transition isn’t easy though. It can be heartbreaking to witness the dissolution of a family unit.
“Last year, I saw two cubs who had been separated from their mother due to the presence of mating males during the grizzly bear's mating season. It was a bittersweet sight (particularly relatable to me at this time since I have an 18-year-old about to embark on their own journey to university). However, the resilience and lessons instilled by their mother were clearly evident in their behaviour.
The cubs remained vigilant, acutely aware of their surroundings, and instinctively sought safety by climbing trees if a male bear approached. It was truly heartwarming to witness their unity and how they leaned on each other for support.”
About this interaction, Michelle notes, “Although it was heartbreaking to see these cubs separated from their mother, their ability to utilize the skills taught to them and their endearing interactions provided a glimpse into their remarkable resilience and adaptability. Such experiences in nature remind us of the diverse range of emotions and behaviors exhibited by these fascinating creatures, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts.”
Despite her love for her craft, Michelle shares that photographing the majesty of Canada’s grizzly bear population isn’t easy.
“Physically it is all-consuming. Your senses are alive like nowhere else. Wildlife encounters can be intense or peaceful or both. They take my breath away. My adrenalin soars. I feel so fortunate when I connect with a wild being. No matter the critter. But looking a bear in the eyes... you make eye contact... it is hard to find the words really. It can leave me: in awe, captivated, moved, (with my) adrenaline rushing, inspired, and connected.
If that wasn’t enough, photographing Yukon’s ice grizzlies proved to be an even more daunting adventure for Michelle. “For the ice grizzlies - it was hours every day sitting, waiting, not moving in -25C and if they did appear we couldn't move. So, the camera had to be ready. It was grueling but so rewarding.”
Not inclined to spend hours in absolute stillness waiting to capture the perfect portrait of a grizzly bear family, yourself?
Thankfully, wildlife artist W. Allan Hancock has magically rendered this tender scene between a mother and her cubs, so often hidden from our view, on this 99.99% pure silver coin’s reverse, where multifaceted engraving brings the beauty, complexity, and radiant power of a mama grizzly bear and her family, to life.
The newest addition to our Multifaceted Animal Family, this uncommonly sized 50 mm 2 oz. coin is the second to feature multifaceted engraving and a must-have in your collection.