Connor Stefanison's Image

When Connor spotted bear droppings on the track leading to his camera trap, his heart fell.

He was worried it had damaged the equipment he had set up to photograph spotted skunks. Relief at finding his gear intact turned to delight when he realised not only was there an image of a bear glossy with health, but it was also looking right into the camera. Black bears are highly intelligent and curious animals that frequently exhibit exploratory behaviours, so it’s no surprise Connor’s trap drew this one’s attention. Although the majority of this night-forager’s diet is vegetable-based, they are opportunist scavengers, so the tiny piece of meat Connor used as bait for skunks may have piqued its interest.