Except during a brief period of romance, Male and Female Grizzly Bears are seldom found together. Females normally fear the males - with good reason - and try desperately to avoid them. However, it was the time for Romance when I found this couple together.

Despite many other males being nearby, the old timer (right) is a dominant male. He claimed the young female (left) as solely his own. They were constantly together for the entire week I watched them. Judging by their passionate affair at Brooks Falls, cubs will be born in the Spring.

This was the first phase of their courtship and eventual union.

Visit my Grizzly Bear gallery http://www.pbase.com/britestar/wild_grizzly_bears

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Any and/or all usage or copying of this image, without express written permission from the photographer, is prohibited by law. Copyright 2007, Elizabeth Bickel. All Rights Reserved.