I took what became, for me, an historic research trip to Yellowstone National Park last year because I was lucky enough to witness an unusual number of bear and their young. Stationed near one of the only fast-running rivers in the park, I observed the mother bringing her babies down to see water for the first time. A ferocious and dangerous mammal, this mother bear treated her cubs with gentle patience and care.

I love the different colors in this scene - the bear's wet red, orange and black fur against the cool greens and blues of the water. - BM