Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bears
David McEown
Over several days in the khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary, we were able to witness the courtship of these grizzly bears. Some of the play and dance was just wonderful to record with my Nikon Z9, Nikkor 600-180mm lens and from the safety of our guides steady boat.
It was inspiring to revisit the 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 Daisy Gilardini for organizing and leading this creative trip and Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge for the hospitality and great guided tours. I look forward to working on studio paintings inspired by this trip.
It is both humbling and rare to have the opportunity to draw Grizzly bears in their natural habitat. This small bear was out in the intertidal zone, feeding on clams and other tasty treats to complement its spring diet of sedges. After capturing numerous photos and videos for painting references, I sketch as much as possible and take time to simply appreciate that places like this still exist in the world.
Thanks to our amazing, respectful bear guides and driver during our two-week trip in the breathtaking Khutzeymateen in northern BC. More videos and photos coming soon.
Sleep Time! While photographing wildlife at high tide in the Khutzeymateen, we observed a male grizzly bear taking a nap on a large log. Remarkably, it turned out to be the same bear we had photographed two years prior in the same place. It appears that bears have their preferred spots to rest and keep dry above the rising waters of the estuary. Later during our excursion, we witnessed him attempting to captivate and court a younger female bear, but unfortunately, his efforts were unsuccessful.
We searching for optimal photo composition but as he was in a deep slumber I decided to draw numerous sketches. I even had the opportunity to apply monochromatic washes and reflect on this serene setting wondering what he is dreaming.
Before a busy day of wildlife viewing and photography I am up every morning by 6 am to paint the stunning mountain views and mirror reflections of the inlet from @khutzlodge.
“Khutzeymateen”, 15 x 22 inches watercolour. (available for sale)