Day two of my Ultimate Brown Bears of Alaska Workshop brought another incredible moment, highlighting the harsh realities and tender care within the bear world. We spotted a sow with her three cubs, and one, in particular, caught our attention: the smallest of the triplets, a tiny "runt" nestled securely beneath its mother.

There was a quiet discussion among the group about the survival chances of this little one. It's a harsh world out there for bear cubs, and the smallest often face an uphill battle. However, observing this particular mother, my doubts began to fade. She was incredibly attentive, constantly watchful, and incredibly protective of her offspring; all qualities of an experienced and capable mother.

Witnessing such devoted maternal care, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if this little runt beats the odds and thrives. It's a powerful reminder that even in the wild, the bond between a mother and her young can be a formidable force against the challenges of nature.