Bear in tall grass pokes its head out

This young brown bear pokes its head out of the tall grasses in an Alaskan meadow. Think about how tall this grass must be to conceal the bear! Brown bears can reach up to five feet tall at their shoulders. This bear in tall grass is not full grown, but still stands a few feet tall while on all fours.

We observed this bear in tall grass in Katmai National Park. We’re lucky that he poked his head up, because we would not have wanted to accidentally stumble onto a brown bear hiding in the tall grasses. Although the bears in Katmai National Park and Preserve are generally tolerant of humans, you wouldn’t want to surprise one. All types of bears can react violently when they feel threatened or surprised.

Stock Image #20080816-105431