Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
David McEown
I was excited to revisit the Great Bear Rainforest and witness grizzly bears in their sacred primordial home of the Khutzeymateen. In the spring after a long hibernation , hungry bears come down to the shoreline and feed on the fresh sedges offering incredible opportunities to view and sketch these bears in their natural habitat.
The Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in the North Coast region of British Columbia was established in 1994 by BC Parks to protect critical habitat for the region's grizzly bear population, home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in Canada.
Coast Tsimshian First Nations depend upon this area, as they have for thousands of years, as the source of their social, economic and cultural prosperity. The Coast Tsimshian First Nations, and the Gitsi’is Tribe collaboratively manage the protected areas and access requires a permit. Many thanks to Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge for the hospitality and great guided tours. I look forward to working on studio paintings inspired by this trip.
“Khutzeymateen Encounters”, 22 x 30 inches watercolour. (available for sale)
This studio painting was inspired from sketches and photos taken during our trip. From the safety of our boat we encountered this young male grizzly bear feeding on the fresh sedges and mussels at low tide. Our guides called this bear “Ember” in which he had distinctive light haired ear tips and collar.
Field sketches done on location. We observed the bears spring feeding ritual on fresh sedges. The boat would move around with tides and currents but our expert guides found great views ,so the best way to get a feel of light and mood of this place was through quick gesture drawings with a monochromatic wash. The bears certainly did not seem to be bothered by us!
“Khutzeymateen”, 15 x 22 inches watercolour. (available for sale)
A light rain had just stopped and clouds lifted revealing the snow covered peaks and steep valleys that drain out to this rich and colourful estuary. Within minutes we spotted bears feeding on the fresh sedges. After sketching on the boat I worked on the painting back on the floating base camp further out the inlet.
“Khutzeymateen Reflections”, 15 x 22 inches watercolour. (sold)
A recent early morning attempt to capture the light on the Khutzeymateen inlet!