Smile!

Black bears are incredibly intelligent, curious, and powerful animals that evoke a sense of awe in anyone fortunate enough to encounter them in the wild. Contrary to some misconceptions, bears are not mean or malicious; they are actually quite gentle and tolerant creatures when navigating their natural habitat. Mother bears exhibit remarkable qualities; they are affectionate, fiercely protective, devoted caretakers, yet strict, sensitive, and attentive with their young cubs. Not unlike people, bears can display a wide range of emotions such as empathy, fear, joy, playfulness, and even altruism. Exploring the less-visited north rim of Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park turned out to be an unbelievable experience that was definitely worth the trip. While making my way to a secluded trailhead, I decided to pull over to the side of the narrow road to check my directions more carefully. While sitting there, I suddenly heard some rustling movement just outside my truck. To my utter surprise, there on the side of the road was a magnificent black bear. The bear appeared quite happy and content as it feasted on the delicious berries located on the roadside shrubs. Excitedly, I grabbed my camera and started capturing the moment. Jokingly, I said, “Smile,” and to my amazement, the bear paused its munching, looked up directly at me, and offered a charming smile. Looking directly at the lens, the bear posed with such grace that it outshone many humans I’ve asked to do the same. It was an incredibly fun and memorable experience. After taking a few more pictures, I gave thanks to the bear for the delightful encounter and drove away, reflecting on how moments like this genuinely deepen my appreciation for the stunning wildlife we share this beautiful planet with.

Location: Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado