“Because mammals bond so closely with their offspring, the mother has a world-full of responsibility in feeding, teaching and raising their babies to be strong and alert,” says Marris. “The mother grizzly is no exception. She must keep an eye on her litter at all times. Each cub has its own personality, of course, like our own children.

Over a two to three year period she will teach her cubs to explore their big beautiful world. She is always there to encourage and protect them and, when necessary, to reprimand a cub with a solid huff or distinct growl for not paying close enough attention to her."