A mama grizzly and two small subs prowl on the banks of the McNeil River in Alaska. The mama grizzly and her two small cubs have been fishing for salmon in the nearby river. Every summer, thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn; this provides exceptional opportunity for grizzly bears to fill their bellies and teach their newborn young how to hunt and fish.
The mama grizzly stands in front of her two small cubs in order to protect them from potential threats, like other grizzlies.
The two small cubs are spring cubs which were born roughly six months ago. Bears give birth during their winter hibernation, so the young cubs meet their mother and see the world for the first time during spring and summer. These two small cubs will learn their life skills by staying close to their mother and learning from her example.
Stock Image #20080813-184554