Ursus Maritimus(sea bears)

[NorthernFocus]

The literal translation of the Latin name for polar bears is "sea bear". Whoever gave them their scientific name obviously spent time observing them. They aren't just capable swimmers. They are true marine mammals and love the water. When it was really windy and they all seemed to prefer staying in the water(when they weren't sleeping behind a log). Anyway, here are a couple of photos.

Best viewed in the light box.

1) Here's a momma bear swimming with the kids. This was a huge sow that I dubbed "Bertha" for a popular song of my youth.



2) Bertha



3) They frequently dive and swim underwater. When they come up of course they shake the water off their heads. So there were ample opportunities for shots of them shaking. But with so much ice/snow around there weren't many opportunities with contrasting BG.



4) They loved wrestling in the water.



5) I posted this one in another thread but it's my favorite water shot so here it is again.



6) OK they're not swimming in this one but I thought it was cool. Beach front living.

[Otavio]

Another nice set, Dan. They are really great animals. Well done.

[rpcrowe]

Wonderful captures of these elegant animals...

[GBO25]

Isn't #3 a classic?

[Ndukes]

More stunning images Dan. I hope you maintain a solid health and safety plan. They're in the water now and getting closer!

[Rebel]

Amazing Dan, I love your images.

[Dave Humphries]

Great series as usual Dan,

#4 and #5 remind me of our dogs playing with each other.

Is Bertha's fur better oiled, compared to hers pups (whose fur seems saturated), or has she just not been 'under' yet in #1?

Thanks for bring us these remarkable images.

Dave

[Stagecoach]

Another wonderful set Dan.

[John 2]

Fabulous images again. I just love the last one. That's an animal that clearly feels safe in it's environment.

[IzzieK]

John beat me to it, but yes, my favourite is the last one...they look so contented and your title of it is brilliant too -- Beach front living. I thought that was good...

[FootLoose]

Really like the 3rd and 5th, Dan. You've nailed the dof in the 5th.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Dave A]

Haha.....that last image finishes off the set perfectly.

Dave

[Mike Buckley]

Wonderful set and narrative, as always.

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you all enjoyed the post. They were difficult to shoot in the water.

...Is Bertha's fur better oiled, compared to hers pups (whose fur seems saturated), or has she just not been 'under' yet in #1?...

That's a good question, Dave. The two cubs in the shot are COYs(cubs of the year) so are still pretty fuzzy looking. The fur certainly looks like it has a different texture than the mom and is longer. They also spent a lot more time with their heads in/under the water due to their play.

[Jimr1961]

I love the way the face is framed by the swirling droplets of water in #3. That would be something worth attempting to isolate in a future shot. #5 is living proof that bears are related to seals :-)

[bnnrcn]

Excellent series Dan, thanks for sharing