Things That Make Me Smile – Polar Bear Edition

This isn't a sight you see every day – polar bears frolicking among flowers.



Wildlife and nature photographer Dennis Fast captured this bear in Manitoba, Canada, frolicking (because there's no other word for it) amongst the fireweed.

I must say it is a real joy to see a polar bear in my viewfinder. It is amazing to spend quality time with my favourite animal. And quality time means spending a lot of time with the bears. Wild animals need to become somewhat used to your presence and learn that you won't harass them if they leave you alone. That is when they begin to behave normally, and for the polar bear it means it can relax and start to show you its private playful nature. Polar bears will play with anything in their environment. I have seen a huge male hold several blades of grass in his giant paws and chew on them for a long time as though he enjoyed the texture. On another occasion, I laughed out loud as I watched a relaxed polar bear bare his teeth to pluck a single flower from a stem of fireweed blossoms and roll it around between his lips! Perhaps he viewed it as an appetizer.

To see the rest of this amazing collection of photos, go to My Modern Met. And do check out the rest of Dennis Fast's amazing photography at his website.