Be grateful that you are one of the apex predators and at the top of the food chain. We also need to acknowledge that this is a position that we share with other life forms on our home planet. We do need to take care that we are able to avoid or have the means to protect ourselves when confronted by those in nature who may view us as a source of daily nutrition. For us, salvation comes in the form of human ingenuity. We are able to craft tools, weapons and devise plans to overcome those with superior strength besides other humans. It is good to be at the top. Even though it is the ability to use our intellect that keeps us safe.
Photo 1 (Featured at the top of this page): “Bear Power” is a photo I took of three grizzlies, who were charging at me at Bearizona. Fortunately, there was a deep moat between us, and I was safe. In the wild, I hope to never see a sight like this. Grizzly bears near the West Coast can weigh in excess of 900 pounds and attain top speeds of over 40 miles per hour. How fast can you run?
Photo 2
Photo 2: “Power Nap.” Even predators need rest. This image shows a nearly 30 pound bobcat taking a nap on a grassy slope in the late afternoon. Peaceful, yet capable of taking down a small deer.
Photo 3
Photo 3: “Projecting Power.” This female Bald Eagle has a wingspan of nearly eight feet and is coming off her perch on the face of a cliff to collect a meal that is unaware it is soon to provide nourishment and sustenance to this magnificent creature. The hallux talon (the back talon) delivers the killing blow to prey and can be up to three inches long. Ouch!
Photo 4
Photo 4: “You Were Saying?” Again, I was fortunate to be on the other side of a double chain-link fence at Out of Africa. Male tigers can weigh over 500 pounds and can take down prey many times their own body weight. Tell me again why I am dieting?!
