Near the Mt. Wardle Animal Lick, the nutrient-rich salts draw wildlife. This adult black bear weighs in at about 400 pounds, packing on calories as winter approaches in Kootenay National Park, Canadian Rockies.

We spotted this beautiful bear driving between locations in the park, mid-day (a little less common). It walked forest's edge and seemed intent on crossing the road. Several of us had stopped when we spotted the movement. The bear sniffed the air to catch our scent and eventually made the decision to cross.

When it did, it literally looked both ways across the highway, then started straight toward us. I was ready - camera and telephoto lens attached to a window bracket, check.
Camera set to multi-frame motor drive, check.
Exposure set, ISO set high enough to allow for fast shutter speed, check.

My heart raced as the bear made a hurried crossing, changing his course only slightly to route around the front of our SUV. After getting to the other side, his gait increased and he darted into cover of thick woods, and quickly gone from sight.

I knew I got good shots, but it wasn't until I reviewed all 58 from the sequence that I saw several images, including this one, that were cause for celebration. I love his intent stare as he started toward us, the paw up indicating the steps to come.

This is one of those photos that people always ask, "how close were you?" About 50 feet at this point, but you'll see one in the sequence where the bear crossed to within 10 ft (I know because the lens was at its minimum focusing distance of 8.2 ft. To see others from the sequence, click here.

Canon EOS 10D, Tamron 200-400mm f/4.5/5.6 Aspherical LD @ 390mm, 1/1000 sec @ f/5.6, ISO equiv 400, Vixen Optics car window mount