Polar bear hunting on the sea ice in Svalbard. Canon 1D Mark IV, 500mm f/4L IS, 1/800 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400
The polar bear ranks up there as one of the most intriguing and amazing animals. To watch it move and live in its extreme environment is an experience I wish all people could have. This particular polar bear approached our ice breaker ship while we paused for a moment in the sea ice. The snow was lightly falling and the bear expressed some curiosity and walked right up to the edge of the ship where it look upward to the many cameras hanging over the edge. After a short bit it sauntered off and trekked across the ice, occasionally swimming across open areas of water. The scene is etched in my mind, and this image of the bear with its neck raised shows how important that well refined nose is at guiding the bear to food sources.
