Curious Bear Cub Nibbles Photographer’s Boot During Close Encounter in Alaska (Exclusive)

In a remarkable encounter while photographing wildlife in Alaska, Bruce Robert Danz, a 71-year-old retired family medicine physician from Appleton, Wisconsin, found himself within close quarters of a family of grizzly bears. Danz was participating in a photography tour organised by Alaska Grizzly Safaris on August 2, aiming to capture the majestic coastal brown bears during the summer salmon run.

Under the guidance of experienced tour leader Colby Miller, Danz and his fellow photographers maintained a respectful distance from the bears while they hunted for salmon. Despite the proximity, the adult bears remained engrossed in their fishing activities, allowing the group an opportunity to observe the playful curiosity of the bear cubs.

“The bears were aware of our presence but continued with their activities,” Danz recounted, explaining that the group made a conscious effort to observe quietly, ensuring not to disturb the bears. “Having such powerful and impressive animals approach so close made my hair stand on end at first, but it was clear that the mother bear was not concerned about us.”

During the outing, three bears, including two cubs and their mother, emerged from the water near Danz and a fellow photographer. The encounter became notably more intimate as one of the playful cubs broke from the group and approached Danz’s boot. Footage captured during the moment reveals Danz softly saying, “No bear, no bear,” as the tiny bear leaned closer.

To Danz’s astonishment, the cub nibbled at his boot before glancing up at him. “Although the cubs are quite curious, I was genuinely surprised when one approached my boot. I felt no fear, just mild surprise. After all, animals of that age, including humans, explore everything with their mouths,” he shared.

In a light-hearted moment, Danz noted that a slight movement of his foot was sufficient to send the cub back to the safety of its mother. He described the scene, saying, “With just a little movement, the cub scampered back behind its mother, giving me a side eye as if to say, ‘You said it was okay.'”

Reflecting on the encounter, Danz expressed his gratitude for the experience and the continued calm exhibited by both the bears and his group. He acknowledged the crucial role that Miller’s guidance played in ensuring everyone remained composed during the interaction.

The event was particularly noteworthy for Jerry Jacques, the owner of Alaska Grizzly Safaris, who has spent nearly five decades guiding photographers and videographers in the state. Danz recounted that Jacques had never encountered a bear making physical contact with a guest in all his years of experience and praised the group for not alarming the bears. “Jerry suggested that perhaps the cub was simply tired of salmon and wanted to try some filet of sole,” Danz recalled, highlighting the humorous side of the extraordinary meeting.

The episode underscores the innate curiosity of wildlife and the delicate balance between human presence and animal behaviour in natural settings. Danz’s story serves as a reminder of the lessons gained from observing wild animals and the importance of vigilant respect for their habitats.

Such breathtaking experiences in nature continue to be sought after by wildlife photographers, with encounters like Danz’s offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these powerful creatures. His reflections emphasise a sense of untamed beauty, as well as the responsibility that comes with capturing it on camera.

Danz closed his thoughts by expressing his hope that others would also have the chance to experience the wonder of wildlife in such close proximity. As he left Alaska with a enriched perspective and cherished memories, his adventure serves as a testament to the captivating interactions that can occur in the wild, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to witness them.