July 02, 2010

The Siamese Bear






I broke my own rule last evening about not always keeping a long lens on my camera in case something wanders by.

In this case, it was an unusual blond bear, whose darker legs and face reminded us of a Siamese cat. I have never seen that color phase before.

But after getting two large barking dogs under control, it was all I could do to grab a couple of shots with the 55mm lens.

The bear was less than full-grown. M. and I will know if we see it again.

6 comments:

Heather Houlahan said...

He looks to me like he's molting out and coming in darker with the new coat.

Sometimes animals that are sick will have their coats wash out, and then when they recover the new coat comes back darker and shinier.

Chas S. Clifton said...

This site says, "In western states that have mountain meadows and open park-like forests, over half the black bears (Ursus americanus cinnamomum) are brown, cinnamon, or blond."

I have seen plenty of cinnamon bears, but never such a blond one.

Coloradocasters said...

Oh my word! "Ursus Amazing! This would be one of those "shot of a lifetime" moments for me. If I could stand there and take the picture that is. Very impressive.

Holly Heyser said...

So much for the moniker "black bear"!

I wish I had a long lens. I might get a great shot of one of the neighborhood vultures. Or maybe the hen pheasant who's tenaciously surviving in our suburban neighborhod.

mdmnm said...

Just a little ways south of you all we've seen several bears with that blond coat and dark legs and face. Cinnamon-I've only seen one in that phase. Great photos even without your long lens.

jason said...

just to the northwest of you i saw a honey colored bear. i've seen a lot of different colored black bears in the wet mountains.