Charismatic Megafauna

That's the NPS term for the big animals that everyone wants to see.  I had a woman literally start climbing on top of me to get a better shot out the window of the bus. (Cue jokes about that being the most action i've seen in a while.  Go ahead, i'll wait...)

I take a shot or three, then sit back and just observe and admire.  I love watching the grizzly rip at the tundra, munching on roots and such.

Walking down a gravel river bar, this guy was quietly munching away.

Best answer i've heard to the question, what's the difference between reindeer and caribou?  Reindeer can fly.  (Confidentially, they're just different names for the same animal)

This guy darted out from behind a bush at about 25 yards.

Right after I took this, this bear turned up the hill and took a big poop in full view of the bus.  That's what it thinks of us, apparently.  Or, you've known about bears in the woods, know you know about bears on the tundra.

When you're thinking how cute and cuddly they are, just remember: that hump above the shoulders is muscle for the front legs.

Riding the bus through Polychrome Pass, there were a few Dall sheep rams.  It was only several feet lateral from the bus, but about 20 yards up.

Yes, he was using that ledge to scratch his ass.

Not ramming, just eating.  Rut isn't for another few months.