I'm a retired bear biologist from the US. I also used to lead brown bear photo tours in Alaska for several years. I would be absolutely STUNNED if that mother bear brought her cubs close to a male, I would most likely suspect one of her former cubs or a sibling. You probably know the number one predator of bear cubs are male bears, especially in the breeding season. But one thing I learned in studying nature I call Rule # 1. My Rule #1 states their is exception to every rule, including rule 1. I also know chemist and physicist have laws, I think the best we biologists can do is most of the time. I'm sure any experienced outdoorsman would agree with me. Enjoyed watching them during dinner so thanks Ian!
Hi Stan. Yes I totally agree. As I said at the end there was no way of knowing if that was a male or female, but certainly I found it hard to believe that the mother would bring her cubs close to another male. I'm well aware of the fact that the males will kill the cubs to mate with the female. You are right, maybe it was an older sibling or another female. The other bear did stay for the whole time though, and seemed to present no danger to them. It was a wonderful experience to see this, and my camera was spinning back and forth. It's my dream also to come and photograph the grizzlies and other bears in the US. Would love to see them one day, especially in Alaska.
@@IanMiddletonPhotographyTravel If you get serious about AK, shoot me a message. I know about all the different opportunities there are, but you won't have a nice hide like that. Slovenia looks like a wonderful place. I will be in Europe for the first time this fall as I'm spending 3 weeks in Scotland in October. Really excited about it. I also used your videos to help set up my new smugmug site, so thanks again. Stan
@@stancunningham7612 Thanks very much. It will no doubt be many years before I do get there, if ever. But appreciate the offer. Scotland is beautiful. Have a great time. If you are interested in photography and need a guide, let me know. I know a great photographer living in Scotland who runs group and private tours. Glad the Smugmug vids helped. What is your website address?
Wonderful photos Ian! They are something else. I was watching this and remembered my teddy bear that was also my first toy that I got (my father bought it when he came to hospital when I was born). I never noticed before but they have such fluffy ears. Your photos really present them in all their splendor.
It's so true. Ever since I've been photographing them up close with the long lens I see those cute teddy bear ears too. They really are wonderful animals.
Thank you so much for sharing, Ian. My wife (Leslie) and I were considering a bear tour this summer in Kočevsko, but having watched your video, we shall definitely be seeking Miha next year. Beautiful explanations and amazing footage you’ve created. Bravo!
Thank you. Glad you found it useful. Be sure to get in touch with Miha quickly, as spaces fill up quickly and when the season starts he gets really busy. Have a great time.
Beautiful, thank you
You are welcome
I love to watch bears. Last year I was bearwatching in eastern Finland. Slovenia is on my bucketlist. Cheers.
Me too. Be sure to get in touch with Miha if you do.
@@IanMiddletonPhotographyTravel Yeah, thanks. Slovenia is a completely different landscape context than the taiga of Finland...
I'm a retired bear biologist from the US. I also used to lead brown bear photo tours in Alaska for several years. I would be absolutely STUNNED if that mother bear brought her cubs close to a male, I would most likely suspect one of her former cubs or a sibling. You probably know the number one predator of bear cubs are male bears, especially in the breeding season. But one thing I learned in studying nature I call Rule # 1. My Rule #1 states their is exception to every rule, including rule 1. I also know chemist and physicist have laws, I think the best we biologists can do is most of the time. I'm sure any experienced outdoorsman would agree with me. Enjoyed watching them during dinner so thanks Ian!
Hi Stan. Yes I totally agree. As I said at the end there was no way of knowing if that was a male or female, but certainly I found it hard to believe that the mother would bring her cubs close to another male. I'm well aware of the fact that the males will kill the cubs to mate with the female. You are right, maybe it was an older sibling or another female. The other bear did stay for the whole time though, and seemed to present no danger to them. It was a wonderful experience to see this, and my camera was spinning back and forth. It's my dream also to come and photograph the grizzlies and other bears in the US. Would love to see them one day, especially in Alaska.
@@IanMiddletonPhotographyTravel If you get serious about AK, shoot me a message. I know about all the different opportunities there are, but you won't have a nice hide like that. Slovenia looks like a wonderful place. I will be in Europe for the first time this fall as I'm spending 3 weeks in Scotland in October. Really excited about it. I also used your videos to help set up my new smugmug site, so thanks again. Stan
@@stancunningham7612 Thanks very much. It will no doubt be many years before I do get there, if ever. But appreciate the offer. Scotland is beautiful. Have a great time. If you are interested in photography and need a guide, let me know. I know a great photographer living in Scotland who runs group and private tours. Glad the Smugmug vids helped. What is your website address?
😍😍😍😍😍
Wonderful photos Ian! They are something else. I was watching this and remembered my teddy bear that was also my first toy that I got (my father bought it when he came to hospital when I was born). I never noticed before but they have such fluffy ears. Your photos really present them in all their splendor.
It's so true. Ever since I've been photographing them up close with the long lens I see those cute teddy bear ears too. They really are wonderful animals.
Thank you so much for sharing, Ian. My wife (Leslie) and I were considering a bear tour this summer in Kočevsko, but having watched your video, we shall definitely be seeking Miha next year. Beautiful explanations and amazing footage you’ve created. Bravo!
Thank you. Glad you found it useful. Be sure to get in touch with Miha quickly, as spaces fill up quickly and when the season starts he gets really busy. Have a great time.
👍🇸🇮
Thanks