Grizzly Sow and Cubs Out for a Stroll

I had heard reports of a sow grizzly with four spring cubs in the Hoodoos area of Yellowstone.  I went there this morning hoping to see and photograph them.  Four cubs is very rare.

I was fortunate.  There they were.  Unfortunately, they were about 200 yards away and partly blocked by branches.  So, I waited.  And waited.  It was below freezing and very windy.  The wind was really pushing my big lens around, even with me steadying it.  Getting a sharp image was going to be a challenge.

Finally, after what seemed like an hour, they moved into a relatively clear area.  I was hoping for a good composition.  Mom and cub 1, the runt of the litter on her back, and  cub 2 were cooperative; but cubs 3 and 4 were not.   This is one reason why photographing people is easier.

A sow grizzly walks with her four cubs in the Hoodoos area of Yellowstone.
Grizzly Sow and Four Cubs, Yellowstone National Park