Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear Sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary.

I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom – no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark.

After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them.
I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera.

The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.

I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive.

As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, as approachable “friends”. This could be dangerous for both man and animal.

After Halloween I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated. This spring, before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.

I saw them before mid April and dreamed nightly of taking another “family portrait,” an improbable second “once in a lifetime” photograph.

On April 25, 2008 I achieved my dream. When I showed the result to a woman who had purchased a print of the cubs a year earlier she exclaimed, “I have never seen such an extraordinary photograph”.

When something as magical as this happens between man and animal Native Americans say: “We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow.”

And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these photos with you.

Sincerely,
Tom Sears
Digital Photographics

PS. As of today, August 22, 2008, the cubs are doing well but have gone their separate ways and there will not be another “family portrait”.

Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights? LEARN MORE.

* Animals Are Not Ours to Eat
* Animals Are Not Ours to Wear
* Animals Are Not Ours to Experiment On
* Animals Are Not Ours to Use for Entertainment
* Animals Are Not Ours to Abuse in Any Way

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What Is So Special About Animals?

Animals are a big part of our lives, and play a very important role here. They too are an expression of God. We don’t even realize how much of our lives they are. Animals are an essential piece of the work of art that Nature is. We see them everyday. Every morning I like to step outside to my yard with my dogs and contemplate on the majestic beauty of Nature, and everywhere I look I see a creature of Nature. I hear them, and I’m sure they hear and see me too. I dont go out much, so my direct interaction with humans is quite limited, with the animal kingdom, however, is a bit different. Daily I see squirrels, dogs and cats, birds and butterflies of all colors, sizes and shapes, lizards, bees, and I like to interact with them. My dog’s ears stand up when he hears a bird nearby, or sees a bird on a low branch, I believe it’s because the bird has greeted him hello, and he acknowledges. His facial gestures show so kind, his tail wags very gently showing content for seeing a friend.
My neighbor has a huge tree in the yard, it looks old and beautiful, full of wisdom. Sadly, last week one of its big branches ripped right off and fell over the house. Fortunately, there was no damage done, its as if the branch had gently settled over the roof. Ever since this happened the squirrels have taken this tree branch like an amusement park, running and chasing after each other all around the branch, onto the roof and right back up the tree. It’s truly enjoyable to watch. Nature is healing, when we embrace her, She embraces us back giving us Her Love and Her Strength. Interacting with Nature and the animals is a way to practice Natural Healing, we are engaging in an interaction with that realm, which means there is an exchange of energy. This is why its becoming more common to see therapy pets, specially dogs, but also cats, birds, dolphins, apes, and the list goes on. Give yourself the gift of welcoming the animals into your life, you won’t regret it.
Animals help us feel grounded, they also assist us in relieving stress. I like to sing, and when I’m in Nature I feel inspired to chant. It’s an amazing sight how Nature and Her creatures react to our vibrations. I recommend trying it, if you already haven’t .
This routine is a daily blessing to me, I hope it brings you the same.

In The Greatest Degree of Love & Divine Light.

Rev. Adriana Zotelo, RMT