Wild and Free

Few subjects draw me in like a sub-adult brown bear. There’s something remarkable about watching one take its first steps into independence, no longer under its mother’s watchful eye. Their curiosity is palpable—they test boundaries, explore freedom, and learn what it means to survive on their own. I first encountered this young bear in Katmai National Park alongside its sibling and mother, and returning a year later to find them both thriving was very exciting. To see their transformation, to witness their resilience and growth, felt like catching a glimpse of life’s larger story. I can only hope our paths cross again in one of my favorite places.