Black Bear and Kokanee Salmon

Story Behind the Shot

I captured this award-winning image in October 2023 during a family trip to Lake Tahoe—it was my birthday celebration. It features a cinnamon‑colored black bear grasping a kokanee salmon in its jaws, lifting the fish from the cold, babbling waters of Taylor Creek. The bear’s cautious eyes meet my camera lens in that decisive moment. This image went on to win 2024 California Wildlife Photo of the Year, a recognition that I’m incredibly honored to receive.