I had been stopping and shooting panoramas at intervals along this road, and was looking for my next spot. I could easily have jumped out and pushed through the willows - and come face to face with the bear. Or I could have been setting up for my panorama when the bear happened to walk by.

Grizzlies are unpredictable, and can be aggressive. If you come too close they are highly likely to charge and knock you down. They may do more, maul you, or even eat you. Any time you are within 300 feet you are in danger.

So I thought I would illustrate what might have happened if I had been a little less lucky. I had my wife take a photo of me in the driveway at home, same camera and lighting, and composited it with the real bear picture.