The Punchline

Two brother Grizzly cubs appear to roll around in uncontrollable fits of laughter. In a moment of perfect timing, I snapped this endearing moment one summer's day on the meadows of Lake Louise Ski Resort. The cubs are the young of Grizzly Bear 122 - who appeared to ignore her rambunctious offspring's behavior whilst she concentrated on nibbling dandelions. To experience this moment seemed such a privilege - as someone who has lived and worked for Banff National Park, I have seen firsthand just how human activity requires a Grizzly mother and cubs to stay constantly alert and on edge. Here, in such a vast protected area, these bears were given the right to relax and play - and to me, to be ignored as a human being was to be trusted in their 'safe space'. Moments like these are rare, full of emotion and deserve to be cherished in a world that is fragile and increases their vulnerability.