Grizzly in Ivvavik National Park

This field season, I saw a total of five grizzlies.  The closest encounter was on May 31 when we were setting up experiments for my soapberry project near campground.  During the set up, I looked around and saw a bear crossing the creek to the other side - meaning it was very near us just a few moments ago.  We abandoned what we were doing and cautiously went over to the kitchen shed.  Sensing the bear was not interested in us, we took some photos from our side of the creek.

The grizzly on the other side of the creek.

Sensing something.

Looking back at us.

And then moving on.  Despite living in a bear country, I never got a sense of danger from these giant creatures.  Nonetheless, it is still very important to be cautious and calm at all times.