Two polar bear cubs play fight on the snow on a barrier island along Alaska's arctic coast. Canon 1Ds Mark III, 100-400mm f/5.6L IS, (210mm), 1/640 sec. @ f/5, ISO 400.
Alaska polar bears
While guiding a group of photographers on a recent tour for Alaska polar bears, aurora and other opportunistic arctic subjects, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend some time with these playful polar bear cubs. Like many young animals, they are curious, playful and active, when the parents often sleep or rest. These two cubs of the year spent a lot of time play fighting and rolling in the snow. The temps were just under freezing, and a mix of light conditions spilled over the area in the course of a few hours, everything from bright overcast to blowing snow. Dark gray clouds developed in the distance as some storms moved in, creating some intriguing contrast. I shot with both the 500 f/4 and the 100-400 predominantly, depending on range and action. We also had an amazing night of aurora display, which lasted from approximately 10pm to 3am last Friday night. I’m off on another duplicate trip to this region over the next two weeks, but will attempt to make a few posts during the travels if possible.
