Black bears have a mixed relationship with humans. To our eyes they are alternately dangerous, lovable and a nuisance. To their eyes we are to be feared, ignored or exploited.

I have placed this bear in a benign mood resting under the shelter of a pine. They are not very active during the sunny part of the day, but this one has chosen the top of a rocky cliff so that he can glance around in case anything interesting happens. These rocks are part of the Precambrian shield and are a particular place I have known since childhood. I enjoyed the interplay of geological texture, dappled sun and shadow.

- Robert Bateman