In the winter of 2021, I joined a small expedition to the Arctic Circle, aiming to document the breathtaking ice landscapes and the unique wildlife. We were camped near the Beaufort Sea, a remote and frozen wilderness teeming with life.
One morning, I decided to venture out alone to capture the sunrise over the ice. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange, a stunning contrast to the stark white landscape. As I set up my camera, I noticed movement in the distance—a massive polar bear was approaching, drawn by the scent of our camp. My heart raced as the bear came closer, its sheer size and power becoming more evident. I knew I had to stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Slowly, I backed away, keeping my eyes on the bear and speaking softly to avoid startling it.
The bear continued to advance, sniffing the air and eyeing me curiously. I reached for my bear flare, a last resort in case it got too close. At about 20 feet away, the bear stopped, seemingly deciding I wasn't worth the effort. It turned and lumbered away, disappearing into the icy expanse. I hurried back to camp, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. The team was relieved to see me safe and we all took extra precautions from then on, ensuring the camp was bear-proof and always keeping someone on watch.