Learning from mom

This is Blondie, a 17 year old Grizzly Sow. She has given birth to many cubs in her 17 years. She was looking a bit worn out, but nevertheless was an incredible teacher and protector. She was showing her cub how to fish and you can see by the blood on thier faces that both were successful. Proud poses from both of them. The image was taken from a zodiac boat in an ethical manner. Approximately 25-50% of all cubs die before they are one year old. Natural causes of death include drowning, den cave-ins, hypothermia due to flooded dens, starvation, or infections from injuries. Two of the biggest threats are other bears, who see the cubs as an easy meal.