Black Bear Has 5 cubs

[erikahand83]

Black bears typically have two cubs, rarely one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire , a black bear sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as four cubs but five was, and is, extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom, no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for six weeks I had that once in a lifetime opportunity and photographed them in the shadows and dull lighting of the evening. Due to these conditions the photograph is a bit noisy as I had to use the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait. I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, as approachable friends. This could be dangerous for both man and animal. After Halloween I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.

This spring, before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007. I saw them before mid April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, an improbable second once in a lifetime photograph. On April 25, 2008 I achieved my dream. When something as magical as this happens between man and animal Native Americans say, We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow.

http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/down...Inbox&inline=1

http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/down...Inbox&inline=1

[PrayerWarrior]

That's absolutely spectacular, Erika. I'm so glad you achieved what you set out to do. Unfortunately, those links aren't working.

[Toadies]

How absolutely exciting. I love bears and fortunately as well as unfortunately, live were they roam and sometimes run afoul of man. I have 3 black bears that visit my property off and on and am always in awe of how magnificant they are. I was unable to connect to your link as well and was disappointed. I do hope that we get to see the pictures.

[Drawingwords]

Ohhhhhhhhh, I got so excited when I read your post. Living in Pennsylvania, I always hope to see a bear but never had. I do hope you can get your link to work so we can see the wonderful pictures!

[erikahand83]

Well, just so you know it wasn't me who took the pictures. They were sent to me in email. Will try to get the links working or get another set so you can see them.

[erikahand83]

Here are some new links, try these.

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/c.../bearscubs.gif

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/c.../bearcubs2.jpg

[Drawingwords]

OH MY GOSH! I love them! That mom is HUUUUUUUUUGGGGE! And those babies are large too. Yeesh. I love the pictures.

[erikahand83]

Yeah, they are cute. I couldn't imagine taking care of five babies at once. I have two little boys myself and thats hard enough as it is.