A Bond With Bears
Many people enjoy spending time in nature as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Research has even shown that spending time in nature has been associated with decreased levels of mental illness. The wilderness has always been an escape for me, but I didn't realize how valuable that reprieve was until a couple of years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a special relationship with nature. I think my love for bears began on my first trip to Yellowstone National Park with my grandparents when I was 13 years old. The abundance of wildlife in the park was so exciting for me as an aspiring photographer.
By far the most memorable experiences on that trip were searching for, watching, and photographing bears. My passion for photography led me to start a media company in 2012. As my business expanded, so did the stress. Frequent photography trips, usually for bears, kept me sane.
Four years ago, I was able to bring my mother along on one of these adventures. Watching her experience bears in remote Alaska for the first time was unforgettable. By the end of our week together, she had formed a special bond with the bears, the same way that I had. I’m incredibly grateful that we were able to share that.
In 2020, the world was put on hold. More people than ever turned to the outdoors for an escape from the stresses of the pandemic. Business became difficult and nearly ceased to exist. Friends and family were getting sick, and I was coming apart at the seams. My mental health began to decline, and within the coming months I found it difficult to even leave the house.
Just as I was at my breaking point, some great friends invited me on a camping trip to Alaska to photograph bears. While this new experience seemed daunting both mentally and logistically, I took the plunge. From the moment our floatplane took off, my recovery began.
Two weeks in nature, without a thought of the real world changed everything. Any time I was around bears, I was completely immersed in the present moment. The countless amazing experiences with bears taught me how to be happy again. These encounters healed me.
My passionate commitment to protect bears and the critical ecosystems they call home is fueled by these experiences. In a way, the bears saved me. Now it's time to return the favor, to stand up for bears and for wild places. My hope is that people can experience bears and nature the way that I have, because it's truly life changing!
