The Struggle

The reverse image transports the viewer to one of the many river valleys of western Canada, where tree-covered mountains and glacial peaks form a serene backdrop for a scene rife with intensity and tension. Two male grizzly bears are engaged in a fearsome display of strength in the cold water. With a wrestler’s prowess, each bear uses the sparring skills honed thro ugh the playful scrapping of their youth; but this is no game: the driveto reproduce is strong, and our two bears are locked in a fierce battle for the opportunity to mate with a receptive female. Attempting an aggressive display of dominance, the bear on the left side of the image field stands higher than the bear on the right; both are erect on their hind legs, freeing their fore paws to push upon the opponent with the entirety of their immense weight. They will lock their open jaws together in the struggle for dominance, each bear hoping to emerge as the victor.