Bill Bickle Photography, William Bickle Photography
Mammals
Elk in Snow, This Image has been chosen to appear in the National Wildlife Mammal Calendar 2012. As well it has been Featured as Cover for Country Roads Magazine. The elk, or wapiti (Cervus canadensis), is one of the largest species of deer in the world and one of the largest mammals in North America.
June 2008 ...Shell UK Wildlife Photographer of the year. Four of my Images were selected as Finalist. With over 32,000 entries...Not bad. Gray Wolf, The grey wolf or gray wolf (Canis lupus), also known as the timber wolf or simply wolf, is the largest wild member of the Canidae family.
Eastern Wolf, In areas where human cultures and wolves are sympatric, wolves frequently feature in the folklore and mythology of those cultures, both positively and negatively.
Immature Big Horn Sheep
Alpha Male, only the Alpha male is allowed to breed within the pack. Generally, mating occurs between January and April — the higher the latitude, the later it occurs.A pack usually produces a single litter unless the breeding male mates with one or more subordinate females. During the mating season, breeding wolves become very affectionate with one another in anticipation of the female's ovulation cycle. The pack tension rises as each mature wolf feels urged to mate. During this time, the breeding pair may be forced to prevent other wolves from mating with one another.
Gray wolf in Haliburton area with recent kill, enjoing the carcass
Wolves differ from domestic dogs in a more varied nature. Anatomically, wolves have a comparatively larger brain capacity. Larger paw size, yellow eyes, longer legs, and bigger teeth further distinguish adult wolves from other canids, especially dogs.
Bull Moose in Algonquin. Getting some relief from the Flies. Replenishing necessary protein & sodium from long winter. Did you know? A male Moose grows and then sheds its antlers each year (unlike horns which remain throughout an animal's life). Moose antlers are the fastest type of growing bone known on the planet. A Moose may grow a set of antlers weighing up to 25 kilograms in just five months!
Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Some cultures revere the elk as a spiritual force. In parts of Asia, antlers and their velvet are used in traditional medicines.
Female Timber Wolf with water dripping from her mouth
Timber Wolf in Rocky Mountain Stream
Winter is Great time for the Porcupine, usually high up in a tree and will venture down as Nightime arrives.
Winter Time is difficult to acquire adequate food reserves for these Big-Cats. This Big Guy seems intent on eating something soon !!
Very large Timber Wolf in Northern BC Canada. These Northern Wolves Are largest specimens of the Breed. Taken in early fall conditions.
The Kermode Bear is a Subspecies of the American Black Bear. A Rare specimen these guys. The light coloured fur allows daytime feeding where the Black bears may get too hot with their dark coats and venture into deep woods or covered rivers.
Searching for the returning Salmon , prior to Winter Hibernation is a Full-Time job .
This young Female Grizzly was attempting to elude the Large Male Grizzly. During High tide the waters of the estuary allowed this bear to swim across to a remote and safe location. It is breeding season in the Khutzeymateen ( May 2012) but she is Not ready to accept the Male... YET. During my time spent in the Khutzeymateen there were some Amazing Interactions. Following this Courtship was a treat to witness. She kept the Male a very safe distance from her & the male was respectful and evident of her desire to keep a distance . As time went by She allowed the Male to get within breeding closeness, I think this Honey Coloured Bear was coming into Season! The Image has been chosen as the Canadian Wildlife Photography of the year 2012. Canadian Museum of Nature will be exhibiting this Image , along with other winners in their Ottawa Museum, starting in 2013. Following that a Canadian Tour to Museums across Canada! Featured in Parks Canada 2014 Magazine "Special Edition"
Wild Female Grizzly Bear with her Yearling cubs in Background. She was showing me her Dominant Side while perched on this boulder. The Claws are at their longest now as she has recently emerged from her winter dormancy. During the next few months the Claws which are Not retractable will wear down with her foraging. The cubs may stay with her for several seasons until thety will venture off on their own. It's Breeding Season now in the Khutzeymateen and mother bear is On Guard for unwanted intruders. The Baby Bears can move quickly & climb the trees for safety at a very quick rate. Mature Grizzly Bears can not climb trees .
As the Winter snow recedes and Glaciers melt in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary May 2012. This Veteran is about 25 years, according to the knowledgeable guide. He is the father of many bears who live and pass through this Rain Forest. Seen here with damaged eye and missing fur as he emerged recently from his winter dormancy period. He is following the scent of a Female Bear as it is Bear Breeding season here in the Khutzeymateen. Travelling the shoreline is much quicker with low tide. The Tide here can reach in excess of 25 feet.
This Very large Kermode Bear or known as "SPRIT BEAR" surprised me as he appeared from within the Great Bear Rainforest. He was very interested in the Salmon in the nearby river. The Salmon are abundant this time of year & he has been getting his Salmon Fix as his large belly attests. Featured in December 2013 at the Canadian Geographic's Desktop Calendar, with over 12,000 distributed.
Khutzeymateen is home to Very Large Grizzly Bears. This Female is searching the area for intruders. It is Breeding Season here! She is nurturing twin Yearling Cubs. The Cubs may stay with her for several seasons before Venturing on their own. Recently emerging showing very Long & Strong claws that are at their longest now and have continued to grow during Winter Dormancy.
Stunning Vistas with low lying clouds in a Temperate Rainforest. Pure, Clean Air with amazing saturated colours, enhanced from the high tides continually brushing nutrients to the Rainforest. Here a Grizzly drinks from the Salty waters of the Estuary. About 25 miles inland & 25 miles from the Mountains of Alaska to the North.
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear.
Grizzly Bear with Snow covered Mountains in Khutzeymateen.
Grizzly Bear jumping the waters of the estuary
Khutzeymateen is home to the Grizzly Bear and this female Honey Coloured Bear is surveying the estuary for that nagging large male bear
On Cuban beach resting
Family of Moose in lake at Autumn time
Awarded the Canadian Wildlife Photography 2013 by Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa & Canadian Geographic Magazine as Runner Up . I feel like First place because of Competing over 4,300 Entries this season. This is the Fifth time Bill has been featured with them! Awarded the "Best in Show" at the annual Print Competition 2013 ! Finalist in 2013 "Natures Best"
curious and bold even at 4 weeks old
Khutzeymateen is home to this magnificent female grizzly. She is feeding two yearling cubs and she is very protective of them ! Seen here observing the surroundings for unwanted intruders.
Early in springtime the Grizzly comes awake from his dormancy to feed on the high nutrient grasses in an attempt to replenish his body needs .
This beautiful female Honey coloured grizzly is home in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary of Northern BC Canada. Awarded the prestigious "Monthly Award" in Nature Photography Network (NPN) Recently has been awarded the "Best in Show" at the annual Print Competition !