Out of hibernation (please view large)

My morning drive in Banff National Park. The ranger said the bears were just coming

out of hibernation.

Is huge and for sure to be at some distance is safe.You did a very nice shot here and image shows exactly how this powerful animal is.

Martha will be green, she's always wanting to find a bear near the road (not while hiking).  This is perfect, an excellent portrait with full eye contact and motion... Mike

I love the composition, the detail and the background.  I would try and just get rid of that first stalk of grass / weed that lines up directly under his eye. 

Very well done! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

Banff National Park is so beautiful!! what an opportunity for you!!! So glad that you were careful. An excellent composition with pleasing light and detail!! I've only been close to the mountain goats and elk there!!

Great shot, Christal!

Radu....never fear.  We were in our car, and this guy was right at the edge of the road.  This was my one and only shot of him because the park rangers were not letting anyone stop on the road.  It was a thrill to see him up this close.

Mike.....yeah, not too sure I would have wanted to run in to him while hiking.  When I was at photo school in Missoula, they had a park ranger from Glacier come to speak to us, teaching us about safety in the park.  After hearing her speak I'll never again go hiking without bear spray!  Thanks!

Yes, Norm told me the same thing about removing the one stalk of grass.  Sometimes I get a little lazy.  :-)  Thanks, Alf!

The thing that was unusual is that this bear was RIGHT at the town entrance.  So the rangers were all on top of things.  It was unusual for him to be so close to town.  I've seen grizzlies before, but always as a speck way in the distance.  It really was exciting see him up so close.  Thanks!

Janine, thanks so much for taking the time to comment!