Wildlife and nature photographer Bruce Robert Danz was on a tour with Jerry Jacques of Alaska Grizzly Safaris in Alaska earlier this month
Credit: Bruce Robert Danz via Storyful
NEED TO KNOW
- Wildlife photographer Bruce Robert Danz had a close encounter with grizzly bears while on a tour in Alaska
- A curious bear cub approached Danz and briefly nibbled on his boot before rejoining its family
- Danz emphasized staying calm and quiet to avoid disturbing the bears during the interaction
A wildlife photographer got an unexpected close-up encounter with a family of grizzly bears on a recent trip to Alaska.
Bruce Robert Danz, 71, a retired family medicine physician and wildlife and nature photographer based in Appleton, Wis., was on a photography tour with Alaska Grizzly Safaris on Aug. 2 when his small group, led by guide Colby Miller, set up along a creek to photograph coastal brown bears during the salmon run.
The group kept a safe distance as the bears occasionally wandered within a few feet. While the adults remained focused on catching salmon, the cubs were more curious.
“We kept our distance, kept quiet and did not disturb the bears from fishing,” Danz tells PEOPLE exclusively. “The bears were aware of our presence and occasionally would walk very close to us.”
“Having such powerful and impressive animals approach so close made my hair stand on end at first, but it was obvious that mama bear had no interest in us,” Danz adds. “We were coached by our guide to remain quiet and not cause alarm, so I concentrated on that as the bears walked past.”
Credit: Bruce Robert Danz via Storyful
At one point, three bears — two cubs and an adult — emerged from the water and passed close to Danz and another photographer. In footage of the encounter, Danz can be heard saying, “No bear, no bear,” as the animals approached.
One cub, however, broke from the group and wandered over to Danz’s boot, eventually taking a nibble.
“Although the cubs are quite curious, I was really surprised when one approached my boot, glancing up at me just before taking a little bite,” the photographer says. “I felt no fear, just mild surprise. After all, animals at this age of 6 months, including humans, explore the world with their mouth.”
Danz says a small movement of his foot was enough to send the cub scampering back toward its mother.
“With just a little movement of my foot, the cub went scampering back in line behind its mother, giving me a side eye, as if to say, ‘You said it was okay.’ ” he adds. “Thankfully, mama kept on as if nothing happened. I felt immensely privileged to have been part of this little encounter and grateful to mama bear for her understanding, tolerance and trust. This experience will always be special to me for those reasons.”
Credit: Bruce Robert Danz via Storyful
Danz also credits Miller with helping the group remain calm.
The unusual interaction was a first for Jerry Jacques, the owner of Alaska Grizzly Safaris, who Danz says told him he had never had a bear touch a guest during his 47 years of guiding photographers and videographers.
“Jerry said we handled the situation perfectly by not causing alarm,” Danz says. “Jerry suggested perhaps the cub was tired of salmon and wanted to try some filet of sole.”
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