WORKING WITH BEARS
Episode 1

A Gitzo Story By Daisy Gilardini

As a kid, I grew up with a huge collection of teddy bears. Raised in Switzerland, at a time when there were no bears to be found anywhere, I never questioned why I loved them so much.

Over the past three decades, I’ve focused my work on the three species of North American bears. Studying the origins of the human relationship with these animals led me to understand the deep bonds between the two species and the complexities that come with it. It’s a story of admiration, fear, worship, and hunting—a relationship forged in early human times and that will probably always be with us.

Since 1995, I’ve visited Alaska regularly. I'm drawn by the vastness of the landscape, the pristine, untouched wilderness, and the abundance of brown bears. Nearly 20 percent of the world’s brown bear population—about 30,000 bears—can be found in Alaska. In recent years, I’ve focused my efforts on the coastal bears of Katmai National Park , which is home to one of the largest, most viable bear populations in the world, thanks to the abundance and variety of available food.

My favorite time to photograph bears in Alaska is during the end of summer and beginning of fall when salmon return in large numbers to Alaska’s coastal rivers to reproduce. It’s feasting time for grizzly bears! At the start of the run, they gorge themselves—eating as many salmon as they can to build up the fat reserves necessary for the long winter hibernation. Towards the end of the run, they become more selective, dismissing male salmon and focusing on females with eggs. At this time, the bears often only eat the skin and brains of fish, which are richer in fat, leaving the rest of the fish for other animals.

I love spending hours photographing them fishing. Bears have different fishing styles, depending on the location and techniques learned from their mothers:

• 1. Sit and Wait: The bears sit in a pool full of fish and wait for the fish to come to them, then pin the fish down with their paws.
• 2. Snorkeling: The bears snorkel in a pool full of fish, hoping to locate the fish. This technique is used towards the end of the season when dead fish lie on the bottom of the pool or lakebed.
• 3. Pirating: The bears steal fish from another bear. This is why, when a young bear catches a fish, it often runs away from the river to eat, trying to avoid larger bears that might steal its meal.
• 4.Diving: In lakes or big, deep pools, bears sometimes dive completely underwater to catch fish. This technique is most used in the fall when dead fish are found on the bottom of pools and lakes.

• 5. Dash and Grab: The bears chase the fish and jump on them, pinning them down with their paws. This technique takes a lot of energy and is the most photogenic, especially when practiced by inexperienced bears. The sight of a bear leaping into the water, claws extended, often results in spectacular splashes and dynamic action shots. The chaotic energy of the moment captures the raw power and determination of these magnificent creatures as they pursue their prey. Inexperienced bears, still honing their skills, tend to make more dramatic leaps and miss their targets more frequently, resulting in even more water being thrown around. This can create mesmerizing images of bears completely enveloped in water droplets, showcasing their untamed nature.

Daisy's gear

Photographing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is not only a thrilling experience but also a profound way to understand and appreciate the intricate relationship between humans and bears. Through my lens, I hope to convey the beauty and importance of preserving these remarkable animals and their environments. By capturing their behaviors, interactions, and the stunning landscapes they inhabit, I aim to foster a deeper connection and a sense of responsibility towards these creatures and the wild places they call home.