Polar bear in the snow on an island in the Beaufort Sea on Alaska's arctic coast. Canon 7D, 100-400mm f5.6L IS (350mm), 1/320 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 800
If you have been tuned into Alaska news, you might have heard that:
“Alaska officials filed notice Tuesday that the state would sue the federal government over a decision to designate a swath of the Arctic as critical habitat for polar bears faced with the effects of climate change.” Read more:
I’m not making this a political blog post, but instead thought I’d share a portrait of a female polar that I took along Alaska’s arctic coast. They are majestic and impressive animals, and this image is one of my favorites because of her vigilant expression.
Very nice portrait, Patrick. Gorgeous creature. I’ve just got to get up there to Kaktovik again some day soon. I’ve been there only once, and that was…I think it was 1973. In those days there were no polar bears around Kaktovik. Something has obviously changed. I lived in Barrow at the time, and spent a fair amount of time out at the Naval Arctic Research Lab looking at the polar bears scientists had trapped, and talking with them about the bears. Fascinating creatures in trouble. Sad.
Yet another Great one, Patrick. A movement along the lines of that which “saved” the bald eagle must be mounted to preserve these magnificent animals for posterity. Hope you’re having a great holiday season.
Patrick in Oregon.
Jim and Patrick,
Thanks, they are fascinating animals indeed, and it would be a sad day should they not adapt to warming climate dynamics.