[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DMLBECG28143.swf, 396, 600 [/swf]
And Ted? He turned out to be a favorite of mine. Last year he was in a fight which left a 12″ piece of skin flapping on his flank. While the scar has healed out externally, we wondered most of the week by his actions if he hadn’t been rattled by the scar. He tended to avoid confrontations to the extreme. The last day, it was good to see him stand up for his spot, his fish and win all the confrontations. I’m looking forward to going back and see how he does. He was the last bear I photographed at the falls, a simple good-bye until next time parting shot.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DMLBECG28699.swf, 500, 402 [/swf]
We walked down to the bridge and just about ready to cross when the family with spring cubs appeared at the marsh. With that, the bridge was closed and we had to go up into the observation platform. We had about 20min with the family as they worked the shoreline and eventually ended up going into the forest right by us. With that, it was clear to cross the bridge.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/DMLBECG28724.swf, 500, 402 [/swf]
We no sooner crossed the bridge and it was closed again. A big boy had come down from the falls, walked over to the water as if to make sure we were leaving. After checking us out, he turned around and went for a swim. And with that, our 2009 Brooks Falls adventure came to a close. But it is by no means the end of the story. The fall issue of the BT Journal will have all the story and all new photos from our adventure between its covers. There is so much more to tell. But I do want to thank Sharon & Jake & Kevin & Janet and the bears for making it one of those weeks you know will always make you smile.
Photos captured by D3x, 600VR on Lexar UDMA digital film