Back to Articles

Grizzly Bears: A Multi-faceted Story

  • Jul 26, 2023
  • Canadiana
  • 3 min read

We’ve all heard that there are few things more fearsome than a mama bear.

But, in the absence of perceived threats, a sow will reveal her softer side, nurturing her young through their first three years of life and imparting the lessons needed to ensure their survival.

It turns out that grizzly bear mothers have many dimensions of behaviour and are not just the fearsome, snarling creatures you hope to never accidentally encounter in our vast Canadian wilderness.

According to Canadian professional photographer, Michelle Valberg, “Mother bears fiercely defend their young by displaying defensive postures, growling, and even charging or attacking if necessary. Their maternal instincts drive them to go to great lengths to ensure the survival and well-being of their cubs. I have seen a momma bear send her cubs up the tree to keep them away from another male.”

However, having made it her life’s work to find and document Canada’s greatest wildlife over the past 30 years; Michelle has also experienced the incredible bond between mothers and their offspring as up close and personal as one dare get.

image
image

All photos featured in this article are credited to Michelle Valberg

We’ve all heard that there are few things more fearsome than a mama bear.

But, in the absence of perceived threats, a sow will reveal her softer side, nurturing her young through their first three years of life and imparting the lessons needed to ensure their survival.

It turns out that grizzly bear mothers have many dimensions of behaviour and are not just the fearsome, snarling creatures you hope to never accidentally encounter in our vast Canadian wilderness.

According to Canadian professional photographer, Michelle Valberg, “Mother bears fiercely defend their young by displaying defensive postures, growling, and even charging or attacking if necessary. Their maternal instincts drive them to go to great lengths to ensure the survival and well-being of their cubs. I have seen a momma bear send her cubs up the tree to keep them away from another male.”

However, having made it her life’s work to find and document Canada’s greatest wildlife over the past 30 years; Michelle has also experienced the incredible bond between mothers and their offspring as up close and personal as one dare get.

image
image
image
image
image

“May we continue to cherish and protect the extraordinary moments we share with wildlife, recognizing the profound significance they hold for our understanding and connection with the natural world.” – Michelle Valberg