Dr Isaac Vaisman, APSA, PPSA
July 2026 - Curious Bear
About the Image(s)
This image was created in November over Churchill-Canada, Province of Manitoba, at the Hudson Bay where bears are waiting for the packed ice to form so they can go out and hunt for seals. They also feed from walruses, beluga whales and narwhals. It has been estimated that there are about 15.000 polar bears in the area. The event takes place from a truck/bus called Tundra Vehicle since people is not allowed on the ground while exploring and looking for the Polar Bears. Used a Nikon D5 with the Nikkor zoom lens 180-400 f/4 @ 400 mm and with these settings: ISO 1600, f/5.6 and 1/2000 sec.
The image was PP in Lightroom and cropped as is.
5 comments posted
Isaac - very envious that you've been to Churchill (you may have been more than once). We're thinking of going in '28 but not sure who to go with. We've seen them in Svalbard (as you may recall from '23 images).
Anyway, thanks for the supporting info and interesting dynamic of the bear as it looks up, hoping. Posted: 07/09/2026 15:41:13
Anyway, thanks for the supporting info and interesting dynamic of the bear as it looks up, hoping. Posted: 07/09/2026 15:41:13
Hi Isaac - Great photo that doubles as nature and human-interest. The bear seems pretty interested in the vehicle and people - are they expecting, or hoping, to be fed? Posted: 07/16/2026 01:44:24
Hi Isaac,
What a great documentary nature image. It tells a powerful story about wildlife and the impact that humans can have on their lives.
The bear looks as though it has become accustomed to people and is waiting for some kind of reward, most likely food, which makes the image even more thought provoking.
The red and blue colours of the vehicle immediately catch the viewer's attention before leading the eye to the bear. The contrast in size between the large vehicle and the bear creates a strong visual impact and highlights the vulnerability of wildlife in a human dominated environment.
This is a compelling image that not only captures a moment but also encourages the viewer to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature. Posted: 07/16/2026 07:33:18
What a great documentary nature image. It tells a powerful story about wildlife and the impact that humans can have on their lives.
The bear looks as though it has become accustomed to people and is waiting for some kind of reward, most likely food, which makes the image even more thought provoking.
The red and blue colours of the vehicle immediately catch the viewer's attention before leading the eye to the bear. The contrast in size between the large vehicle and the bear creates a strong visual impact and highlights the vulnerability of wildlife in a human dominated environment.
This is a compelling image that not only captures a moment but also encourages the viewer to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature. Posted: 07/16/2026 07:33:18
Yes Maria, it looks like the bear is waiting for food, but it is strictly prohibited to feed them. They are used to see these huge trucks full of people and making noise. Still, they are curious. Posted: 07/16/2026 12:33:10
Hi Isaac,
Like others have mentioned and remarked, this is a rich and thought provoking image of what has become an ordinary and predictable interaction between curious humans and equally curious polar bears. This is a gripping image with layers of messages and stories. Posted: 07/16/2026 19:09:49
Like others have mentioned and remarked, this is a rich and thought provoking image of what has become an ordinary and predictable interaction between curious humans and equally curious polar bears. This is a gripping image with layers of messages and stories. Posted: 07/16/2026 19:09:49