Tag Archives: Black Bear

Respect for our Mother Bears

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'Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.'

Proverbs 17:12
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

As I stood on the side of the road with my camera attempting to capture photographs of the majestic eagles, I couldn’t help but sense the watchful gaze of Mother Bear. I shifted my focus and shifted my attention towards the direction from which she appeared, maintaining a composed demeanour despite the mere few meters that stood between us. It is crucial to emphasize the necessity of maintaining rationality and remaining calm in unanticipated encounters with a Mother Bear and her cubs. Bears, contrary to certain misconceptions, are not mere brutish creatures, but rather exhibit a level of complexity and intelligence. Mother Bears are particularly renowned for their unwavering dedication to and protective nature towards their offspring, surpassing that of any other species on our planet, or so I am told.

Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

I must admit, I have not personally experienced being assaulted by a bear, whether it be by a male or female specimen, and therefore may not possess expert knowledge on this subject matter. However, I have encountered these majestic creatures during solitary excursions in the forest, with limited means of escape, and am well aware of the prevailing narratives surrounding the ferocity of nature. Surprisingly, though, I have never encountered an aggressive bear or felt threatened by any apex predator, except for encounters with certain human individuals whose conduct deviates from rationality and defies both the laws of nature and common sense.

Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear in the Blackberries taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

The bear in question was demonstrating a profound sense of maternal care and protection for her cubs, a behaviour that mirrors the innate instincts of humans when it comes to safeguarding our own children. This natural inclination is both admirable and understandable, resonating with our shared sense of parental responsibility. In nature or human communities, predators often exhibit a distinct preference for the disruption of the parent-child bond, as it serves their personal interests. These principles hold true across various ecosystems and social contexts.

Black Bear Cub in the Bush taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.
Black Bear Cub in the Bush taken with Olympus Evolt E-300 by Coastal Salish Photographer TS Ni hUiginn.

After she determined I was no threat she moved back into the forest allowing me to get a glimpse of her charges. One of the adorable young cubs displayed a greater sense of curiosity and took a better look at me, while expelling a small piece of litter it had picked up. Meanwhile, its more reserved sibling opted to stay close to its mother, preferring to remain concealed from view.

A Coastal Salish Native Black Bear and Salmon Design Created by TS Ni hUiginn
Click on the Image to Visit our T Spring Shop

This unexpected encounter was a truly exceptional privilege, among many. I have always held a deep affection for bears, and my interactions with them have consistently been delightful and profound. The mother bears I have encountered serve as a powerful symbols of the profound parent-child relationship, particularly in the realm of nurturing and caring for offspring. Given my own personal experiences with a limited parental bond in my youth, the presence of Mother Bear in both my life and artistic creations holds significant meaning. She stands as a tribute to all parents across different species, embodying their roles as protectors and caregivers for the young and vulnerable. In our human society, mothers and fathers play vital roles, sharing equal responsibilities in safeguarding their children. Therefore, this design is equally fitting for parents of both sexes, as well as for grandparents, aunts, and uncles, celebrating their inherent roles as guardians and protectors of children. I firmly advocate that parenthood is a noble endeavour deserving of increased recognition and comprehensive support in our modern society, just as it has been in our traditional societies.

Click on the Image to Visit our T spring Shop

This design holds immense symbolic significance as it represents the profound bond between parents and children. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to those dedicated guardians who tirelessly ensure the well-being of their offspring. Mother Bear is symbolic of their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of the young ones, ensuring their future and our ongoing survival as a species. Mother Bear, with its profound symbolism, is proudly made available for purchase on a variety of useful items through our T-Spring shop. By patronizing our shop, not only do you support us, but also contribute to the livelihood of other individuals such as printers, shippers, and other hardworking professionals who play an integral role in keeping our economies and societies functioning.

© TS Ni hUiginn

The Eagles are Feeling Frisky

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“'Seek, seek, seek,' sang Son of Eagle as he sailed down from his tall, tall tree and with his great talons he picked up the salmon, and in one graceful swoop he circled the wide area of the pool and sailed back to his house. All the while the beautiful, silvery salmon was wiggling helplessly in his strong talons.” 

- George Clutesi

The young eagles were feeling particularly frisky yesterday, squawking and soaring, delighting in their being alive and showing off for their folks. For me there is nothing more lovely or soothing than watching youth delight in their bodies, strength and playfully developing their skills. They are not any different than human families, they came equipped with the same natural family bond human beings were blessed with. They protect, love, nurture and respect each other much like people used to do, and need to again.

While I was out with the eagles yesterday I had a little surprise when this black bear crashed across the path running in terror away from me as well as the noisy people, dogs and vehicles around here. He was a nice size and well nourished, and much bigger than me. I waited and watched as he crashed through the roadside bushes to determine which way was the safe way to proceed. It is common to come across black bears, wolves and cougars in urban spaces and when we do it is important to react in a reasonable and cautious manner. Although black bears aren’t aggressive when terrorised, as this one was, they can, just like a human over react so it is wise to keep a respectful, very calm distance.

© TS Ni hUiginn